Colts’ Kicking the Stigma marks six years, $33M raised and support for 70+ community groups

The useful part

before the actual script --> Colts co-owner Kalen Jackson on how "Kicking the Stigma" is making an impact six years later. WISH-TV Indianapolis Colts --> Home / Sports / Indianapolis Colts Colts co-owner Kalen Jackson on how "Kicking the Stigma" is making an impact six years later Kicking the Stigma 9-18-26 by: Sep 19, 2026 / 05:05 PM EST INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — 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.

How it works

• 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...
• 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.
• Jackson said she's seen firsthand how many organizations and nonprofits use the money to impact their communities.
• Whether it's helping people in crisis, increasing the workforce, you name it, we are just so proud of every single one.
• WISHTV.com Trending Stories Van search underway after crash with school b...

What to take from it

"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. 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. Stay informed with Indiana, Local, and National News straight to your inbox.

Example or evidence

• 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...
• "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.
• 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.
• "One of our missions is to entertain, inspire, and unite by winning the right way.

Details worth keeping

"It really was an idea and a passion around it," Jackson said. "They are truly the real heroes," Jackson said. "We always say we're not the experts by any means.

Related coverage

• Fox59: INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis Colts invited four teams of Indiana high schoolers to their practice facility Tuesday evening for the annual Unified Flag Classic.
• Statenews: The event, which has been held for years, took place Tuesday.
• Statenews: Rousseau McClellan School 91 was the site of this year's build.
• Wishtv: INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Second-year Colts kicker Spencer Shrader has dealt with a fair share of setbacks during his two years on the Colts roster.
• Wishtv: Zionsville senior kicker Sam Black has enjoyed a successful start to his season under the guidance of volunteer special teams coach and NFL Hall of Famer Adam Vinatieri ahead of their upcoming game against...