Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Riddell in the Community?

Riddell in the Community is a giveback strategy focused on supporting athletes, coaches, and teams across the football landscape. Through equipment grants, strategic partnerships, and grassroots initiatives, Riddell is working alongside organizations to strengthen the game and the people who make it possible.

2. What types of initiatives are included in Riddell in the Community?

Riddell in the Community is anchored by three key pillars: Growing the Game, Smarter Football and Play It Forward. Each initiative addresses a specific opportunity to give back while reinforcing Riddell’s commitment to advancing the sport.

3. Why did Riddell create Riddell in the Community?

Football is a community-driven sport, and Riddell has a long history of supporting the people and organizations that make the game possible. Riddell in the Community provides a more intentional framework for that commitment, allowing us to focus our support on initiatives that can make a meaningful difference in football communities.

4. What is Smarter Football?

Smarter Football is an initiative within Riddell in the Community designed to help football programs take the next step in supporting smarter play. The program provides selected organizations with access to advanced helmet technology, InSite Analytics and proper tackling equipment—tools that can help programs introduce new approaches to their athletes and coaching staffs.

5. Why is Smarter Football designed as a starting point?

Adopting new equipment and technology can be a process. Smarter Football gives programs an opportunity to experience advanced tools firsthand and establish a foundation they can continue building on as they evaluate what works best for them and their athletes.

6. How were Smarter Football recipients selected in 2026?

2026 marked the return of the Smarter Football program, and Riddell took a focused approach to relaunching the initiative. For this year's program, Riddell worked through its sales organization and relationships within the football community to identify programs that could benefit from access to advanced equipment and technology. Since this was a focused relaunch, the 2026 program was not an open application process. As Smarter Football evolves, future opportunities may take different forms, so organizations should stay tuned for updates.

7. Who is Riddell in the Community designed to support?

Riddell in the Community is designed to support a broad range of people, programs, and organizations that contribute to the football community. As the strategy continues to grow, Riddell will look for opportunities to support communities at different levels and in different ways.

8. How does Smarter Football support Riddell’s broader community strategy?

Smarter Football is one example of how Riddell in the Community puts meaningful equipment, technology, and support directly into football communities. By helping programs explore tools that support smarter play, the initiative connects Riddell’s expertise with the needs of the communities we serve.

9. Will there be future opportunities to participate in Smarter Football?

The Smarter Football program may evolve in future years, including opportunities that are open to a broader group of organizations. Riddell will continue to evaluate how the program can best support football communities. Stay tuned to news.riddell.com/community for updates and future opportunities.

10. How can my youth organization get support from Riddell in the Community?

Riddell maintains relationships with Pop Warner, the NFL Foundation, Good Sports, and others to fulfill grants dedicated to providing new equipment to youth athletes. Additionally, Riddell works directly with youth organizations on special promotions to help make our equipment accessible to all age levels. For more information on how your youth organization can partner with Riddell, please complete the Find Your Rep form so we can have the appropriate contact reach out to you.

11. How can my organization get involved with Riddell in the Community?

Organizations interested in learning more about Riddell in the Community or potential product donation opportunities can contact community@riddellsports.com. Riddell’s community support is focused on product donations that can directly benefit football programs and organizations. At this time, Riddell does not provide cash donations for fundraisers or exchange cash or product for social media promotion, influencer activity, or other marketing services. Organizations are encouraged to reach out and stay tuned to news.riddell.com/community for future opportunities.