The NFL Plans To Use 2025 Season To Raise Mental Health Awareness

Forbes

20 hours ago

The countdown to kickoff for the 2025 NFL season is on, but this year, the NFL has plans beyond game day statistics. For the first time in league history, there will be three consecutive weeks of games that spotlight mental health, with Raise Awareness for Mental Health Games taking place in Washington DC, Phoenix, and Los Angeles. This is a bold and important step for a sport known for its physical intensity.
Just last season, there was only one mental health awareness game: the NFL Washington Commanders held a Raise Awareness for Mental Health Game on December 1, 2024 in collaboration with the American Psychiatric Association Foundation and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Ahead of the game, a pre-game panel was held in the Branson Lounge at Northwest Stadium, featuring five panelists.
This year, the movement is spreading across the league as there is a drastic rise in the number of Raise Awareness for Mental Health Games, signifying a cultural shift: mental health is no longer a side conversation in professional football. Here's the breakdown of the who, what, where, and when for teams addressing mental health this season.
Los Angeles Rams Raise Awareness for Mental Health Game
The Rams are hosting the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, November 23rd, in the evening with a kickoff time of 5:20 pm PST. Four national non-profit organizations are collaborating to lead the Rams' inaugural Raise Awareness for Mental Health Game:
Ahead of kickoff, 275 attendees invited by the non-profits involved will gather at YouTube Theater for an exclusive pre-game panel featuring leaders in athlete mental health who are driving the conversation forward across sports and communities.
'The LA Rams play such a vital role in supporting and building a strong LA community, and what an incredible time to come together in support of mental health,' said Louisa Rocque, Executive Director, Greater Los Angeles & Central Coast for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
Suzanne Potts, LMSW, MPH, CEO of The Hidden Opponent, also notes, 'It's an honor to join the conversation on athlete mental health at such a meaningful event. We believe that supporting mental wellbeing is essential, on the field and beyond.' To request an invitation to the exclusive pre-game event at YouTube Theater, contact one of the four non-profits hosting this event.
Washington Commanders Raise Awareness for Mental Health Game
On Sunday, November 30, 2025, the Washington Commanders will host the Denver Broncos at Northwest Stadium. Ahead of the 8:20 pm EST kickoff, attendees who purchase a ticket through the special group sales link will receive access to the exclusive pre-game panel being held at Northwest Stadium at 6 pm. The theme of the discussion is prioritizing mental health in youth and youth sports, featuring panelists Rawle Andrews Jr., Esq., Executive Director of the APA Foundation, Marcus Smith, former NFL player, Brook Choulet, M.D., The Performance Psychiatrist® and a counselor from the DC public school system.
'When teams like the Rams prioritize mental health, they lead by example,' said Rawle Andrews Jr., Executive Director of the APA Foundation. 'We're honored to be part of this effort to inspire hope, promote help-seeking behavior, and save lives.'
This is the second consecutive season that the Washington Commanders have hosted a Raise Awareness for Mental Health Game in the regular season, showing their commitment to player health and well-being.
Arizona Cardinals Raise Awareness for Mental Health Game
On Sunday, December 7, 2025, the Arizona Cardinals are hosting the Los Angeles Rams for their inaugural Raise Awareness for Mental Health Game. Three national non-profit organizations are collaborating to lead the Rams' inaugural Raise Awareness for Mental Health Game:
With kickoff at 02:25 PM MST, the Cardinals will feature the pre-game panel discussion at 10:00 AM on the club level at State Farm Stadium. Panelists include Dr. Brook Choulet, Rawle Andrews Jr., Esq., and more.
As President of the American Board of Sports & Performance Psychiatry and President of the Maricopa County Medical Society, I believe this initiative reflects a cultural shift in how we understand strength and performance. Events like this are breaking stigma, building awareness, and creating space for healing, on and off the field.
A portion of ticket sales will be donated to the American Psychiatric Association Foundation and the Maricopa County Medical Society Foundation. Tickets can be purchased here.
The Future of Mental Health Awareness in the NFL
The NFL's growing acceptance and excitement to host Mental Health Awareness Games signals more than just a community initiative. It also marks a shift in the league's culture. By dedicating prime-time matchups, prominent platforms, and community engagement to the conversation on mental health, teams are instrumental in helping dismantle stigma, encouraging open dialogue among players and fans. These events during the 2025 season will help redefine what it means to be mentally healthy both on and off the field.Disclosure: Dr. Brook Choulet serves as President of the Maricopa County Medical Society Foundation and President of the American Board of Sports and Performance Psychiatry, and is leading the Raise Awareness for Mental Health Game initiatives for the Arizona Cardinals and Los Angeles Rams.