The NFL is planning to use the 2025 season to increase mental health consciousness

The countdown to kick -off for the NFL season of 2025 is on the agenda, but this year the NFL has plans outside the game day statistics. For the first time in competition history, there will be three consecutive weeks of competitions that bring the mental health of the mind to the attention, with increased consciousness for mental health games that take place in Washington DC, Phoenix and Los Angeles. This is a daring and important step for a sport that is known for its physical intensity.

Last season there was only one mental health awareness game: the NFL Washington Commanders held an elevation in the Mental Health Care game on December 1, 2024 in collaboration with the American Psychiatric Association Foundation and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Prior to the game, a pre-game panel was held in the Branson Lounge in Northwest Stadium, with five panel members.

This year the movement is spreading over the competition, because there is a drastic increase in the number of increased consciousness for mental health care, which means a cultural shift: mental health is no longer a side conversation in professional football. Here is the breakdown of the WHO, what, where and when for teams that tackle mental health this season.

Los Angeles Rams increase consciousness for the Mental Health Care game

The Rams organize the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, November 23^RDIn the evening with a kick -off time of 17:20 pst. Four national non-profit organizations work together to lead the inaugural increase in the rams for the game for mental health care:

1. American Board of Sports & Performance Psychiatry
2. American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
3. American Psychiatric Association Foundation
4. The hidden opponent

In anticipation of the kick-off, 275 participants will be invited by the non-profit organizations involved in the YouTube theater for an exclusive pre-game panel with leaders in the mental health of athlete who continue the conversation in sports and communities.

“De La Rams play such a crucial in supporting and building a strong LA community, and what an incredible time to come together to support 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 is an honor to participate in the conversation about the mental health of athlete in such a meaningful event. We believe that supporting mental well -being is essential, on the field and then.” Contact one of the four non-profit organizations that organize this event to request an invitation for the exclusive pre-game event in the YouTube theater.

Washington commanders increase consciousness for the game for mental health care

On Sunday, November 30, 2025, the Washington Commanders organize the Denver Broncos in Northwest Stadium. Prior to the kick -off of 8:20 pm, those present who buy a ticket through the Special Group Sales Link Get access to the exclusive pre-game panel that is held at 6 pm in the Northwest Stadium. The theme of the discussion is prioritizing mental health in youth and youth sports, with panel members Rawle Andrews Jr., Esq., Executive director of the APA Foundation, Marcus Smith, former NFL player, Brook Choulet, MDThe Performance Psychiatrist® and a counselor of the DC Public School System.

“When teams such as the Rams prioritize mental health, they set a good example,” said Rawle Andrews Jr., executive director of the APA Foundation. “We are honored to be part of this attempt to inspire hope, promote helping behavior and save lives.”

This is the second consecutive season that the Washington commanders have organized an increase in mental health care consciousness in the regular season, which shows their dedication to the health and well -being of the player.

Arizona Cardinals increase consciousness for the Mental Health Care game

On Sunday, December 7, 2025, the Arizona Cardinals organize the Los Angeles Rams for their inaugural elevation for the Mental Health Care game. Three national non-profit organizations work together to lead the inaugural increase in the rams for the game for mental health care:

1. American Board of Sports and Performance Psychiatry
2. American Psychiatric Association Foundation
3. Maricopa County Medical Society Foundation

With kick-off at 02:25 pm MST, the cardinals will contain the pre-game panel discussion at 10:00 am at club level in State Farm Stadium. Panel members are 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 that this initiative reflects a cultural shift in how we understand strength and performance. Events such as these are breaking stigma, building consciousness and creating space for healing, on and outside the field.

Part of the ticket sales will be served to the American Psychiatric Association Foundation and the Maricopa County Medical Society Foundation. Tickets can be purchased here.

The future of the consciousness of mental health in the NFL

The growing acceptance and excitement of the NFL to organize games for the consciousness of mental health signals more than just a community initiative. It also marks a shift in the culture of the competition. By devoting prime-time matchups, prominent platforms and community involvement in the conversation about mental health, teams are an important role in helping to dismantle the stigma, encouraging an open dialogue between players and fans. These events during the 2025 season will help to define again what it means to be mentally healthy, both on and outside the field.

Publication: Dr. Brook Choulet acts as president of the Maricopa County Medical Society Foundation and President of the American Board of Sports and Performance Psychiatry, and leads the increase in consciousness for mental health care for the Arizona Cardinals and Los Angeles Rams.