The upcoming 2025 NFL season is not just about touchdowns and tackles. This year, the league is taking a groundbreaking step by dedicating three consecutive weeks to spotlight mental health awareness. With Raise Awareness for Mental Health Games scheduled in Washington DC, Phoenix, and Los Angeles, the NFL is prioritizing the mental well-being of its players and fans like never before.
Last season, there was only one mental health awareness game, hosted by the Washington Commanders in collaboration with prominent mental health organizations. This year, however, the movement is gaining momentum across the league, signaling a significant cultural shift. Mental health is no longer a taboo topic in professional football, and teams are stepping up to address it head-on.
Let’s take a closer look at the teams and organizations leading the charge in mental health awareness this season:
### Los Angeles Rams Raise Awareness for Mental Health Game
The Rams will be hosting the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on November 23rd, with kickoff at 5:20 pm PST. Four national non-profit organizations are joining forces to spearhead the Rams’ inaugural Raise Awareness for Mental Health Game. The pre-game panel at YouTube Theater will feature leaders in athlete mental health discussing the importance of mental well-being in sports and communities.
### Washington Commanders Raise Awareness for Mental Health Game
On November 30th, the Washington Commanders will face off against the Denver Broncos at Northwest Stadium. Attendees who purchase tickets through a special group sales link will gain access to an exclusive pre-game panel focusing on mental health in youth and youth sports. This marks the second consecutive season that the Commanders are hosting a mental health awareness game, showcasing their commitment to player health and well-being.
### Arizona Cardinals Raise Awareness for Mental Health Game
The Arizona Cardinals will host the Los Angeles Rams on December 7th for their inaugural Raise Awareness for Mental Health Game. Three national non-profit organizations are collaborating to lead this event, with a pre-game panel discussion featuring experts in athlete mental health. A portion of ticket sales will be donated to support mental health initiatives, reflecting a growing cultural shift in how mental health is perceived in professional sports.
The NFL’s embrace of Mental Health Awareness Games represents more than just a community initiative. It signifies a shift in the league’s culture towards prioritizing mental well-being. By dedicating prime-time matchups and prominent platforms to mental health discussions, teams are playing a crucial role in breaking stigma and fostering open dialogue among players and fans.
As the 2025 season unfolds, these events will help redefine what it means to be mentally healthy both on and off the field. Dr. Brook Choulet, President of the Maricopa County Medical Society Foundation and the American Board of Sports and Performance Psychiatry, is at the forefront of leading the Raise Awareness for Mental Health Game initiatives for both the Arizona Cardinals and Los Angeles Rams.
The NFL’s commitment to mental health awareness is a game-changer, setting a new standard for how professional sports leagues address the mental well-being of their athletes and communities.
