The Indianapolis Colts and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana are teaming up to advance equity in central Indiana through mentoring with a three-year partnership.

DeForest Buckner, Indianapolis Colts and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana announce partnership at Children's Museum/

Indianapolis Colts players Jacoby Brissett and Zaire Franklin, as well as head coach Frank Reich and general manager Chris Ballard, issued a statement after Friday's practice, expressing why the team decided not to practice on Thursday to instead focus on action items to directly address racial injustices.

The team shares their action plan following the cancellation of practice yesterday to work on improving the community and fight social injustice.

Indianapolis Colts Jacoby Brissett spoke with the media about how the organization has a responsibility to continue to have conversations and seek out change in the community, and how the team plans to take steps that can be measured and assessed to continue to grow and change.

Indianapolis Colts linebacker Zaire Franklin spoke with the media about how the entire organization has shared ways that systemic racism has come up in their lives, how important it is for professional athletes to use their platforms to push for change.

Indianapolis Colts head coach Frank Reich spoke with the media about how proud he is of his players for standing for what is right, he also identified the leadership and conviction that Jacoby Brissett has shown to the entire organization.

Indianapolis Colts offensive lineman Ryan Kelly spoke with the media about the team continuing to have conversations about how they can come together to not only affect change in the community, but also how they can help support and provide guidance in a number of areas.

Indianapolis Colts head coach Frank Reich spoke with local media outlets about the injustices in the United States in the wake of George Floyd's death and how the organization is making sure their players feel supported during these times.

The Indianapolis Colts today issued the following statement.

Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration of the end of slavery in the United States, but up until recently hadn't gained the proper historical notoriety and recognition it deserved. Recent protests demanding an end to systemic racism and police brutality have brought the importance of these efforts to the forefront, however, and accordingly the Indianapolis Colts have officially made Juneteenth a company holiday.

The Indianapolis Colts today announced the first of several steps to battle systemic racism and other forms of discrimination and to ensure that diversity, equity and inclusion are at the forefront of the team's business and community efforts.