arizona Cardinals & Los Angeles Rams Champion Mental Health Awareness in inaugural NFL Game
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The Arizona Cardinals are taking a powerful stand for mental health, hosting the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, December 7, 2025, for the inaugural Raise Awareness for Mental Health Game. This landmark event signifies a growing shift within the NFL towards prioritizing player and fan well-being,and dismantling the stigma surrounding mental health challenges.
A Collaborative Effort for Mental Wellness
This groundbreaking game isn’t a solo effort. The arizona Cardinals and Los Angeles Rams are partnering with three leading national non-profit organizations to maximize impact and reach:
American Board of Sports and Performance Psychiatry: Dedicated to advancing the field of sports psychiatry and ensuring athletes receive specialized mental healthcare.
American Psychiatric association Foundation: committed to supporting research, education, and advocacy for mental health.
Maricopa County Medical Society Foundation: Providing vital mental health services and resources within the local community.
A portion of ticket sales from the game will directly benefit the American Psychiatric Association Foundation and the maricopa County Medical Society Foundation, furthering their crucial work. Tickets can be purchased here.
Beyond the Game: Pre-Game Panel and Expert Insights
The commitment to mental health extends beyond the field. Prior to kickoff at 02:25 PM MST, the Cardinals will host a pre-game panel discussion at 10:00 AM on the club level at State Farm Stadium. This insightful conversation will feature leading experts, including Dr. Brook Choulet, President of the American Board of Sports & Performance Psychiatry and the Maricopa County Medical Society, and Rawle Andrews Jr., Esq.,along with other prominent voices in the field.
Dr.Choulet emphasizes the significance of this initiative, stating, “This reflects a cultural shift in how we understand strength and performance. Events like this are breaking stigma, building awareness, and creating space for healing, on and off the field.” This sentiment underscores the broader goal of normalizing conversations around mental health and providing resources for those in need.
The NFL’s Evolving Culture of Mental Health Awareness
The NFL’s embrace of Mental Health awareness Games represents a significant evolution in league culture. For years, the emphasis has been on physical toughness, frequently enough at the expense of acknowledging and addressing mental health concerns. Now,by dedicating prime-time matchups and prominent platforms to this critical issue,teams are actively working to dismantle stigma and encourage open dialog.
This shift is vital for both players and fans. Athletes, often facing immense pressure and scrutiny, need to know they have access to support and resources without fear of judgment.Fans, too, benefit from seeing their role models prioritize mental well-being, fostering a more compassionate and understanding society.
These events during the 2025 season are poised to redefine what it means to be mentally healthy, both on and off the field, and set a new standard for athlete well-being. The Arizona Cardinals and Los Angeles Rams are leading the charge, demonstrating that prioritizing mental health is not a sign of weakness, but a cornerstone of true strength and performance.Disclosure: Dr. Brook Choulet serves as President of the Maricopa County Medical Society Foundation and President of the American Board of Sports and Performance Psychiatry, and is leading the Raise Awareness for Mental Health Game initiatives for the arizona Cardinals and Los Angeles Rams.*
