'You've got a role to play': Denver Broncos Foundation, Colorado Dept. of Law put youth mental health in the spotlight at 'Teaming Up for Youth' event

Jul 21, 2025 at 09:00 AM

Ben Swanson

Digital Media Contributor/Manager of Photography

DENVER — In just a matter of weeks, guests at Empower Field at Mile High will hopefully be able to see a Broncos team that exemplifies what great football teams do.

How 11 players on the field at the same time can fulfill their roles at a high level to make something bigger than what they can achieve on their own. How caring for one another can make them more resilient as a whole. How driving together with a shared goal can make something hard feasible.

It's that spirit that fills the stadium with raucous cheering every fall, and it's that spirit that inspires so many more Coloradans beyond just game day.

And when the Denver Broncos Foundation and the Colorado Department of Law joined together to host Teaming Up for Youth: A Mental Health and Wellbeing Huddle, they embraced that spirit to add a little extra meaning to their purpose.

"We're often talking today about teaming up for youth in football metaphors," Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser said. "A critical metaphor is this: This has got to be a team effort. Everyone out there — whether you're a coach, whether you're a teacher, whether you're a counselor, whether you're a parent, whether you're a community member — you've got a role to play, because the way we address the connection crisis we have is with more connection. People leaning in, building relationships, making a difference. All of us can be a part of that."

As the Board Chair of the Denver Broncos Foundation, Walton Penner told the group of more than 300 guests — including local students, parents, advocates, government officials and representatives from partners, programs, schools, school districts and health-care providers — that she and the foundation were proud to play a role in the conversation to improve the mental health of children across the state.

"On behalf of the Denver Broncos Foundation and the attorney general's office, we are excited to see so many people come out today," Walton Penner said. "… The more we are partnering and the more we are together on this for the state and the youth of our state, the more effective we'll be and the more we'll be able to see much higher outcomes for them. Too many of our kids are in crisis. Each year in Colorado, over 100,000 students experience major depression [and] 63,000 consider suicide annually. These aren't just numbers; they're students, friends and teammates, and they need us now. Everyone in this room knows someone, loves someone or is someone who's been affected by this challenge.

"Today's goal is to explore not just the challenges but the innovative solutions, practical ideas that empower families to enhance their mental well-being. We know that if a young person is in a state of crisis, the entire family is in a state of crisis. We're grateful to have an incredible group gathered here bringing valuable insights and diverse perspectives today. I see many of our partners in the audience. We have a shared commitment to uplift, support and protect the mental health of our youth. Today, we'll be leaning into tough topics, asking difficult questions. We hope that you will share generously and, most importantly, that you're committed — not just to change, but to sustained care, advocacy and empowerment for the youth that we impact. Today, our goal is for each of you to leave with at least one new idea, a practical solution or a valuable connection."

Photos: Denver Broncos Foundation, Colorado Department of Law Host 'Teaming Up for Youth: A Mental Health and Wellbeing Huddle'

On Thursday, Broncos Owner and Broncos Foundation Board Chair Carrie Walton Penner and Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser hosted a statewide convening of mental health stakeholders focusing on innovative practices to build positive school climates, strengthen youth connections and equip trusted adults with the tools to help kids thrive.

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Signage during the 2025 Teaming Up for Youth event at Empower Field at Mile High on July 17, 2025 in Denver, Colorado. Photo by Ben Swanson / Denver Broncos