Damani Leech and Allie Engelken from the Denver Broncos joined Roy Kessel and Sports Philanthropy Network on Radio Row at Super Bowl 59. Damani and Allie shared their insights into the Broncos’ statewide initiative to provide Axiom Riddell helmets to every high school football player in Colorado, highlighting the program’s impact on player safety, the advanced technology in the helmets, and the organization’s broader commitment to youth health and wellness through the Denver Broncos Foundation.
Allie Engelken is a dedicated professional in the field of sports and youth development, with a focus on creating positive and impactful experiences for young athletes. As the Director of Partnerships at Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA), Allie works to build and maintain strong relationships with organizations, schools, and sports programs to further PCA’s mission of promoting character-building and life lessons through sports.
Throughout her career, Allie has been a passionate advocate for the importance of a positive sports culture. She strives to ensure that coaches, parents, and athletes are equipped with the tools and strategies necessary to foster environments where young people can grow both athletically and personally. Her work is centered on helping sports organizations create safe spaces that emphasize the development of both the skills and character of young athletes.
With a strong background in community engagement and partnership development, Allie has a proven track record of supporting organizations that focus on youth and sports. Her ability to connect with stakeholders and drive impactful initiatives has made her an influential figure in the sports development community. Allie is committed to improving the sports experience for all athletes by helping build positive, values-driven athletic environments.
Damani Leech is an accomplished executive with extensive experience in sports and leadership. Currently serving as the Chief Operating Officer of the NFL, Damani plays a key role in overseeing the league’s operations, including strategic planning, business development, and stakeholder engagement. His leadership has been instrumental in driving innovation and improving the overall operations of the NFL.
Before his tenure at the NFL, Damani worked in various leadership roles across the sports industry, including at the NBA, where he focused on global strategy and business development. His diverse experience across multiple sports leagues has given him a unique perspective on how sports can be used as a tool for positive change and community engagement.
Damani is known for his commitment to creating opportunities for diversity, equity, and inclusion within the sports industry. He is passionate about leveraging the power of sports to drive social impact, and he works tirelessly to ensure that sports organizations operate with integrity and responsibility. His leadership and dedication to advancing the sports industry have earned him recognition as a respected figure in the field.
The Denver Broncos Community Foundation is dedicated to improving the lives of individuals in the Denver area through community engagement and support. Founded in 1993, the foundation focuses on creating positive change by funding and supporting programs that promote youth development, health and wellness, education, and social equity. Through its various initiatives, the foundation strives to make a lasting impact in the communities surrounding the Broncos organization.
A core focus of the foundation is youth development, with programs that aim to inspire and empower young people to succeed both on and off the field. The foundation collaborates with local schools, community organizations, and nonprofit groups to provide resources and opportunities for children and teens, including scholarships, mentorship programs, and sports-related activities. By engaging with youth, the foundation helps foster the growth of future leaders and athletes.
In addition to its youth programs, the Denver Broncos Community Foundation is deeply committed to supporting health and wellness in the community. The foundation partners with organizations to promote physical fitness, nutrition, and access to healthcare for underserved populations. Through its work, the foundation uses the power of sport to create healthier, stronger communities while fostering positive change across the Denver area.
The Denver Broncos are a professional American football team based in Denver, Colorado. Founded in 1960 as part of the American Football League (AFL), the team became a member of the National Football League (NFL) when the AFL-NFL merger took place in 1970. The Broncos are known for their passionate fan base, competitive spirit, and rich history, with numerous division championships and several Super Bowl appearances and victories.
Throughout their history, the Broncos have established themselves as one of the most successful teams in the NFL. The franchise has been home to legendary players such as John Elway, Terrell Davis, and Von Miller, all of whom contributed significantly to the team’s success on the field. The Broncos’ commitment to excellence has made them a staple in both the NFL and the Denver community.
Off the field, the Denver Broncos organization is dedicated to making a positive impact in the community through the Denver Broncos Community Foundation. The foundation focuses on programs related to education, health and wellness, youth development, and social equity, ensuring that the team’s influence extends beyond football. By engaging with local organizations and supporting various charitable initiatives, the Broncos work to make a lasting difference in the lives of individuals and families in the Denver area.
WATCH INTERVIEW
0:00 – 0:21 – The interview begins live from Radio Row at Super Bowl 59 in New Orleans. Host Roy Kessel welcomes special guests Damani Leech and Allie Engelken from the Denver Broncos, introducing their helmet safety initiative.
0:22 – 0:49 – Damani Leech explains the Denver Broncos’ statewide initiative to provide Axiom Riddell helmets to every high school football player in Colorado. Over four years, they will distribute 15,000 helmets across 277 schools.
1:00 – 1:18 – The cost and technology behind the helmets are discussed. Each helmet is priced at around $1,000 and features 3D-printed padding customized for each player’s head, maximizing safety and comfort.
1:30 – 2:10 – The helmet’s Insight Technology is highlighted, which allows coaches and staff to monitor impact locations and volume of hits during games and practices, helping adjust training to reduce head injuries.
2:26 – 2:57 – Leech describes the helmet’s five-panel flex system, which tracks the intensity and location of hits. This data allows coaches to adjust techniques, like emphasizing heads-up tackling, for safer play.
3:20 – 3:41 – Discussion on the compatibility of the Axiom helmets with Guardian caps, a protective outer layer used in NFL practices. The helmets are compatible, and decisions on usage are left to individual schools and players.
4:00 – 4:46 – The financial commitment of the Broncos to the initiative is discussed. The team is investing $15 million to supply helmets to all high school players in Colorado, driven by ownership’s goal to impact youth safety.
5:14 – 5:40 – Other NFL teams have expressed interest in the initiative. While each franchise has different missions, many teams are inspired by the Broncos’ large-scale commitment to youth football safety.
6:25 – 7:20 – Allie Engelken discusses the Denver Broncos Foundation, which extends beyond helmet distribution. They support youth health, wellness, education, and career access, including initiatives in both Colorado and Mexico.
9:03 – 9:40 – The importance of safe after-school programs is emphasized. The Denver Broncos Boys & Girls Club, founded in 2003, has served 15,000 kids with academic support, meals, and sports activities to keep youth engaged and safe.
