The Denver Gazette Sports Business Insider is a readers\u2019 guide to understanding the influence of money, politics and power behind their favorite leagues, teams and players.<\/p>\n
Sports Business Insider: The Broncos are entering the second phase of their statewide philanthropy initiative \u2014 \u201cAll In, All Covered\u201d<\/a> \u2014 to provide every tackle high school football player in Colorado with a Riddell Axiom smart helmet.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u201cWe have 122 schools that have received helmets already in season two,\u201d said Allie Engelken, executive director of the Denver Broncos Foundation and vice president of community impact. \u201cWe have two schools that didn\u2019t participate last year that opted in. So, we\u2019re up to 277 total schools. \u2026 We got a lot of feedback that the kids love them.\u201d<\/p>\n 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 \u201cAll In, All Covered.\u201d<\/p>\n Ridell Axiom helmets are equipped with a personalized fit using 3D imaging. Schools are also provided with a free (optional) subscription to \u201cInSite Analytics\u201d \u2014 sensors that collect and report impact data.<\/p>\n Utilizing that technology and understanding concussions were among the talking points at the clinic during several breakout sessions.<\/p>\n \u201cIt doesn\u2019t matter if you\u2019re at a 6-man football game on a Thursday night or a 5A metro-area game on a Saturday afternoon \u2014 every high school football game in Colorado will have an Axiom helmet,\u201d said Bobby Mestas, the Broncos\u2019 director of youth and high school football. \u201cThis year, schools are about to double their inventory. But it\u2019s 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\u2019s why we host these events.\u201d<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u201cLuckily enough, I haven\u2019t had a concussion,\u201d Bolles told The Denver Gazette. \u201cI\u2019m 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\u2019re increasing their youth equipment, which is amazing. \u2026 They\u2019re 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.<\/p>\n \u201cObviously, we\u2019re at the highest level and it works.\u201d<\/p>\n What\u2019s next: The Broncos will continue hosting events across the state to provide education and resources for the \u201cAll In, All Covered\u201d program.<\/p>\n
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