Let’s go back to August for a bit, shall we? Remember the Denver Broncos Foundation meeting when owners Greg and Carrie Penner were asked, “What are the biggest barriers to participation in high school football?” Well, at that time, Greg and Carrie answered, “Cost and Safety”. Fast forwarding to January 2025, it seems the Broncos’ philanthropic arm had already teased what was next on their agenda.

What they have come up with can change the lives of every high school player in Colorado. Their “All In. All Covered” initiative will donate over 15,000 new helmets to 277 Colorado high schools over the next 4 years. And you know what makes this initiative crazier? It will be the largest philanthropic investment the Broncos Foundation has ever opted for. $12M would be invested in every high school tackle program 2025-29.

See, when Greg and Carrie said Cost and Safety were the biggest barriers, they really meant it. Because these aren’t any regular helmets that high school players can afford. Those are top-rated Riddell Axiom smart helmets whose cost could easily exceed $1000. Their safety technology and analytics will help the high school players concentrate on the game without having to worry about getting concussed or injured.

As their foundation board chairman, Carrie Walton Penner, revealed in a statement, “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.” This initiative also comes with a starter pack that includes basic maintenance items, some face masks, and extra visors. But this isn’t the only initiative for which the Broncos’ charitable arm has gained recognition. They have also spent over $9M in order to support the Boys & Girls franchise chapter since 2023.

Now, their charity isn’t just subject to off-the-field activity. Let’s just say the Broncos are also a bit generous about letting their coaches move on.

Sean Payton loses a 3rd member of his coaching staff

Just like that, there goes another member of Sean Payton’s coaching staff in Denver. See, the Broncos had already lost TE coach Declan Doyle to the Bears after they made Lions OC Ben Johnson their new head coach. Then, assistant GM Darren Mougey moved to the New York Jets for their vacant GM position. And now, Denver’s passing game coordinator, John Morton, joins the Lions as their offensive coordinator. This would be Morton’s second gig as an OC in the league after serving the Jets in 2017. His first and only season as OC saw him lead the Jets to 28th in total offense and 24th in scoring.

However, this season, Morton’s offense in Denver saw them finish 10th in scoring charts. They also made the playoffs for the first time since Super Bowl 50. What makes Morton’s arrival in Detroit more exciting is that he achieved it using a rookie QB, Bo Nix. Well, the former Oregon Ducks QB finished his first season passing for 3,775 yards and 29 TDs on the air.

He even chipped in with 430 rushing yards and 4 TDs on the ground. But Morton would have some big shoes to fill in Détroit, where the offense has constantly ranked in the top 5. Last season, they ranked 3rd in total offense and fifth in scoring, and this season they went up a notch. Finishing second in total offense and first in points scored. So, it remains to be seen how well Morton can replace Johnson in Motor City. See, the expectations will surely be high, considering the Lions’ 15-win season this year.