by: Angela Moryan
Posted: Sep 19, 2026 / 05:04 PM EST / Updated: Sep 19, 2026 / 05:06 PM EST
INDIANAPOLIS (WRTV) — On Friday, the Indianapolis Colts hosted their “Kicking the Stigma” event to raise mental health awareness and help end the stigma around talking about mental illness. The Irsay family launched the initiative in 2020, and the program has raised more than $33 million through Action Grants and donations by the Irsays to expand treatment and research and raise awareness in Indiana and beyond.
At Friday’s event, Colts Owner and Chief Brand Officer Kalen Jackson shared how meaningful it is to create a space where people can speak up and combat the feelings of shame associated with mental illness.
“It really was an idea and a passion around it,” Jackson said. “Our lived experience with this topic and realizing that the stigma was really kind of why we hadn’t talked about it and stood behind it. We didn’t want to do that anymore. To be able to see the idea really turn into this incredible initiative that has taken over through Indiana and across the country is really, really inspiring.”
The funds support more than 70 community organizations dedicated to expanding support and research, ending the stigma around mental health, and awarding $8.3 million through action grants. Jackson said she’s seen firsthand how many organizations and nonprofits use the money to impact their communities.
“They are truly the real heroes,” Jackson said. “We always say we’re not the experts by any means. We really see ourselves as a catalyst and a convener. Those organizations that are behind those $8.3 million that we’ve awarded through the grantee program are really the true heroes and are making an impact every single day. Whether it’s helping people in crisis, increasing the workforce, you name it, we are just so proud of every single one. We feel so blessed to have such a supportive community because Indiana—there’s nowhere else like it.”
Colts veteran defensive tackle DeForest Buckner was among several players at the fundraiser, sharing what the event means to him.
“Kicking the Stigma is a really big deal to all of us because it doesn’t just affect us, but everybody in their everyday lives,” Buckner said. “We’re not the only ones affected by mental health and wellness; it’s everybody. Being able to come here and show our support is a big deal.”
Colts Vice President of Communications and External Affairs, Steve Campbell, emphasized how important it is for people to feel safe discussing mental health, and how meaningful it is to see players embrace the initiative.
“One of our missions is to entertain, inspire, and unite by winning the right way. We consider this part of our mission to inspire and unite our community around a very important issue: mental health.”
“When we first launched Kicking the Stigma, we thought people wouldn’t want to talk about it, especially football players who have to play through pain and play through adversity. We thought they would be reluctant to talk about it. All of our players have been so open to this message and to helping out others because everyone, no matter who you are, has someone struggling with mental health challenges. Our players being here tonight is fantastic and shows how much they care about this community too.”
To get involved in raising awareness and supporting mental health research and to “Kick the Stigma,” visit [kickingthestigma.org](https://kickingthestigma.org/) for more information.