Halftime recognition for the “Raise Awareness for Mental Health” event
ABSPPA First-of-Its-Kind Mental Health Activation
Yesterday at SoFi Stadium, the Los Angeles Rams celebrated a major victory, not just in their 34-7 win against the Buccaneers, but also in hosting their first gameday mental health awareness activation. The afternoon was filled with momentum and excitement as advocates for mental health awareness in sport took to the field through pre-game programming and players representing mental health organizations during the league’s My Cause My Cleats initiative.
Standing-Room-Only: The Pre-Game Mental Health Panels
Ahead of kickoff, more than 250 invited guests gathered at YouTube Theater for a two-panel program featuring leaders in sports psychiatry, suicide prevention, and athlete mental health advocacy. Paired with My Cause My Cleats activations from Rams players supporting mental health organizations, the day highlighted how teams within the NFL and athletes are using their platforms to raise awareness about the importance of conversations surrounding mental health.
The pre-game panel took place ahead of kickoff and was standing room only. The room was packed with people eager to engage in dialogue surrounding mental well-being in sport. The afternoon program was hosted by four non-profit organizations that came together to develop the programming: American Board of Sports and Performance Psychiatry (ABSPP), American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), American Psychiatric Association Foundation (APAF), and The Hidden Opponent (THO).
The first panel highlighted athlete mental health advocacy and outreach, with panelists Rawle Andrews Jr., Esq. (Executive Director, APAF), Victor Armstrong (Vice President for Health Equity & Engagement, AFSP), and Victoria Garrick-Browne (Founder, THO). The main takeaway was that organizations need to build better policies and programming around routine mental health screenings and early interventions, making athletes comfortable and eager to utilize services when quality is high.
The second panel was a discussion on general mental health and community well-being, moderated by Dr. Mark Allen (Chairman of the Board, ABSPP). Panelists included Dr. Nicole Davis (Board Member, THO), Dr. Natalya Bogopolskaya (Board Member, AFSP), Dr. Tim Fong (Sports Psychiatrist, UCLA), and Montee Ball (Former NFL Player). The audience had time to engage with panelists during a reception held at YouTube theater before heading over to the game.
Mental Health Panel Activation at YouTube Theater
Samuel ChouletPlayer Advocacy Through My Cause My Cleats
Mental health advocacy has continued to grow across the NFL, especially in the wake of the recent loss of Dallas Cowboys player, Marshawn Kneeland, who died by suicide. The November 22 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers was one of the My Cause My Cleats games, where players highlight meaningful causes through custom-designed cleats.
Ahead of the game, I spoke to three Rams players supporting mental health organizations.
Tyler Davis – Kids Mental Health Foundation
Tyler Davis, LA Rams defensive end, chose to support Kids Mental Health Foundation. Growing up, he saw a lot of cases where kids were struggling at home. He entered the league at age 23 and wants to continue to positively impact kids in the community.
“You’re not alone. Communication is the big key. You are always worthy and have worth. If you need someone to talk to, find someone to talk to.”
Tyler Davis My Cause My Cleats
Los Angeles RamsEmmanuel Forbes Jr. – Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective (BEAM)
Emmanuel Forbes Jr., LA Rams cornerback, was inspired to support Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective. When asked about the biggest barrier to accessing support, he shared:
“Speaking out is the biggest barrier.”
His goal through his My Cause My Cleats activation is for people to approach him and ask about his journey. He hopes to help others by sharing his wisdom learned from his own lived experiences.
Emmanuel Forbes Jr My Cause My Cleats
Los Angeles RamsCam Lampkin – The Hidden Opponent
Cornerback Cam Lampkin chose to support The Hidden Opponent, a leading non-profit organization for athlete mental health advocacy, education, and support.
“I support THO because athletes deal with certain things that can take a toll on you. The mental part of the game is the best part of the game—that’s the hardest battle that athletes fight on a day-to-day basis, so that’s my reason for choosing them as my organization for the game.”
Cam Lampkin My Cause My Cleats
Los Angeles RamsHalftime Jumbotron Recognition
During halftime, the four collaborating organizations were recognized on the jumbotron, an important moment of visibility that brought mental health messaging to tens of thousands of fans inside SoFi Stadium.
A Shift in How NFL Teams Engage Mental Health
The Rams’ Mental Health Awareness programming represented far more than a game-day initiative. Through My Cause My Cleats player initiatives, the team’s affiliation with ROWI as the Rams’ official mental health partner, and their willingness to integrate mental health education directly into the fan experience, the Rams demonstrated an organizational shift.
Collective action can be incredibly powerful in reducing stigma and expanding access to care, and the LA Rams are leading the charge in spotlighting mental health in the NFL.
Leaders from APAF, ABSPP, AFSP, and THO gather on the field after the game.
Samuel Choulet