Broncos Unveil $12 Million Initiative While Sean Payton Faces Third Major Coaching Departure
Denver Broncos Take Bold Step to Transform Colorado High School Football
Let’s rewind to August 2024, when the Denver Broncos Foundation hosted a meeting where owners Greg and Carrie Penner were asked, “What are the biggest barriers to participation in high school football?” Their response was clear: “Cost and safety.” Fast forward to January 2025, and the Broncos’ philanthropic vision is coming to life in a groundbreaking way.
The Broncos’ newly announced “All In. All Covered” initiative aims to address those exact concerns by donating over 15,000 state-of-the-art helmets to 277 high schools across Colorado over the next four years. This $12 million investment is the largest philanthropic effort in the history of the Broncos Foundation, targeting every high school tackle football program in the state from 2025 to 2029.
What makes this initiative remarkable is the quality of the helmets. These aren’t standard equipment — they’re Riddell Axiom smart helmets, valued at over $1,000 each. Equipped with advanced safety technology and analytics, these helmets are designed to minimize the risk of concussions and other head injuries, allowing players to focus on the game with greater peace of mind.
Carrie Walton Penner, chair of the Broncos Foundation board, emphasized the importance of this effort: “We’re wanting to make the game as safe as possible and wanting to grow the game. I think it gives parents a little bit more comfort if they have questions about whether or not their children should play tackle football.” Along with the helmets, the initiative also provides maintenance items, face masks, and visors, ensuring programs are fully equipped to protect their athletes.
This isn’t the Broncos Foundation’s first venture into community support. Since 2023, the organization has invested over $9 million into the Boys & Girls Clubs in Colorado. With these efforts, the Broncos are making a significant impact both on and off the field.
Coaching Staff Shakeups Add Complexity to Offseason
While the Broncos’ charitable initiatives are drawing praise, their coaching staff has seen significant turnover this offseason. Head coach Sean Payton has now lost three key members of his staff to other opportunities.
After tight ends coach Declan Doyle joined the Bears and assistant GM Darren Mougey departed for the New York Jets’ general manager role, the latest loss is passing game coordinator John Morton, who has been hired as the Detroit Lions’ new offensive coordinator. Morton’s move comes after a strong year in Denver, where the Broncos made the playoffs for the first time since their Super Bowl 50 victory. Under Morton’s guidance, Denver’s offense ranked 10th in scoring, with rookie quarterback Bo Nix throwing for 3,775 yards and 29 touchdowns, alongside 430 rushing yards and four additional scores.
However, Morton faces high expectations in Detroit, where the Lions boasted one of the league’s best offenses under former OC Ben Johnson. Last season, the Lions ranked second in total offense and first in scoring during a 15-win campaign. Morton’s ability to maintain that standard will be closely watched as he steps into this new role.
As the Broncos continue to build a brighter future for football in Colorado, both through their charitable efforts and on-field development, it’s clear that the organization is striving to leave a lasting legacy. Whether they can navigate the challenges of a shifting coaching staff while sustaining playoff success will be a storyline worth following in 2025.
