The Denver Gazette Sports Business Insider is a readers’ guide to understanding the influence of money, politics and power behind their favorite leagues, teams and players.

Sports Business Insider: The Broncos are entering the second phase of their statewide philanthropy initiative — “All In, All Covered” — to provide every tackle high school football player in Colorado with a Riddell Axiom smart helmet.

Short version: The Broncos announced a plan starting in 2025 to supply every tackle high school football program in Colorado with all-new helmets over a four-year period in partnership with Riddell.

Last year, the team donated 3,863 Ridell Axiom helmets across 275 high schools to account for roughly 25% of total football participants statewide. In 2026, the Broncos will increase that figure to 50% as the program expands. The total number of helmets donated over four years will exceed 15,500.

“We have 122 schools that have received helmets already in season two,” said Allie Engelken, executive director of the Denver Broncos Foundation and vice president of community impact. “We have two schools that didn’t participate last year that opted in. So, we’re up to 277 total schools. … We got a lot of feedback that the kids love them.”

Long version: The Broncos hosted a clinic last week at Empower Field to provide Denver-area high school football coaches, administrators and athletic trainers with education and resources for year two of “All In, All Covered.”

Ridell Axiom helmets are equipped with a personalized fit using 3D imaging. Schools are also provided with a free (optional) subscription to “InSite Analytics” — sensors that collect and report impact data.

Utilizing that technology and understanding concussions were among the talking points at the clinic during several breakout sessions.

“It doesn’t matter if you’re at a 6-man football game on a Thursday night or a 5A metro-area game on a Saturday afternoon — every high school football game in Colorado will have an Axiom helmet,” said Bobby Mestas, the Broncos’ director of youth and high school football. “This year, schools are about to double their inventory. But it’s all centered around: How do we make the game safer for the kids? The technology that comes with the Axiom does come with a learning curve. That’s why we host these events.”

Key context: Broncos starting left guard Garett Bolles wears a Riddell Axiom helmet in NFL games. He spoke during a panel discussion at the clinic about his experience.

“Luckily enough, I haven’t had a concussion,” Bolles told The Denver Gazette. “I’m a huge Riddell guy. To talk about the gear they have, from shoulder pad customizations to helmet customizations, they do such a phenomenal job. They’re increasing their youth equipment, which is amazing. … They’re obviously leading in the helmet world with the science they have behind it. To watch NFL players put it on just speaks volumes on what type of helmet that is.

“Obviously, we’re at the highest level and it works.”

What’s next: The Broncos will continue hosting events across the state to provide education and resources for the “All In, All Covered” program.