Ahead of the 2026 season, the Denver Broncos have received recognition off the field for one of their most ambitious community initiatives. The Broncos officially announced the award in a press release on Wednesday, June 3. 

The Broncos won a Hashtag Sports Award in the Best Youth Sports Partnership category for their ALL IN. ALL COVERED. Statewide Helmet Distribution Program. 

The Hashtag Sports Awards focus on increasing the sport's visibility and accessibility among fans and youth. It also recognizes excellence in sports marketing, community engagement, and innovation across the sports industry.

The program was launched in January 2025 to improve safety and accessibility in high school football across Colorado. The initiative is led by the Denver Broncos Foundation's vision and in partnership with Riddell and the Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA). 

The single largest philanthropic investment in Broncos history promises to provide 15,000 Riddell Axiom smart helmets. The helmets are equipped with InSite Analytics technology to cover every high school tackle football program in the state.

This recognition marks the second Hashtag Award for the Broncos since 2025.

So far, this is one of the organization's successful community projects, focusing on the improvement of safety and accessibility in high school football across Colorado. 

Award-winning program reaches Colorado schools

Former Broncos quarterback and Hall of Famer Peyton Manning is the Riddell ambassador. He was the mastermind behind promoting the program with Colorado high school football players. 

Connecting young athletes with one of football's most respected figures raised awareness of the program throughout the state.

Broncos owner and Foundation Board Chair Carrie Walton Penner, along with team president Damani Leech, also played crucial roles during the program's launch. 

The initiative focuses on improving player health and safety in high school tackle football while reducing equipment-cost barriers for schools.  

According to the press release, to date, 99% of Colorado high school football programs have enrolled in the initiative. 

The press statement also stated that the Broncos plan to continue helmet distributions through 2028, allocating approximately 25% of the helmets each year to participating schools. 

The award highlights the impact of the Broncos' commitment to youth sports and player safety. Share your thoughts on the franchise's initiative.

Read more at Denver Broncos Community.

Written by

Evince Das

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar