NORTH BERGEN, N.J. – With only 26% of U.S. children ages 6-11 and 14% of those ages 12-17 meeting the recommended 60 minutes of daily physical activity, according to the American Heart Association’s 2026 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics Update, the American Heart Association and the NFL are stepping up efforts to reverse this trend through the NFL PLAY 60 initiative. On Monday, more than 100 sixth-grade students from Robert Fulton Elementary School gathered at the North Bergen Recreation Center for a special event led by New York Giants quarterback Jameis Winston, who joined students in a series of interactive drills designed to make movement engaging and accessible.
The event, supported by USA Football, featured activity stations focused on movement, teamwork, and skill-building, reinforcing how physical activity can be both fun and foundational to lifelong wellness. Winston, a Heisman Trophy winner and former No. 1 overall NFL draft pick, emphasized the broader context of global sports unity. “This summer the World Cup is bringing people together, and we want to multiply that energy by collaborating both football communities for maximum impact,” he said. “Through NFL PLAY 60, this initiative is about helping kids stay active, build healthy habits and see how sports can unite and inspire the next generation.”
NFL PLAY 60, now in its 20th season, encourages children to get at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day to support both immediate and long-term physical and mental health. The partnership between the National Football League and the American Heart Association, which began in 2006, aims to bring physical activity to life for young people through school and community-based programming. The initiative is rooted in the Heart Association’s physical activity guidelines, which recommend at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous activity daily for children. Research shows that regular movement supports cardiovascular health while also improving focus, stress management, and classroom performance.
“Programs like NFL PLAY 60 help us meet young people where they are – with experiences that make physical activity engaging and sustainable,” said Nancy Brown, chief executive officer of the American Heart Association. “Together with the NFL, we are helping build healthier futures by making daily movement a priority for every child.”
To help overcome common barriers such as limited time, space, or weather, NFL PLAY 60 also offers the NFL PLAY 60 Exercise Library, featuring short, on-demand videos from all 32 NFL teams. These resources make it easier for educators, families, and caregivers to incorporate physical activity throughout the day – whether in the classroom, at home, or in the community. Today’s event is part of the broader NFL PLAY 60 movement, which reaches millions of youth nationwide through school programs, community events, and digital tools, reinforcing the importance of daily physical activity for lifelong health.
The implications of this initiative are significant: with childhood obesity and sedentary lifestyles posing long-term health risks, programs like NFL PLAY 60 aim to establish healthy habits early. By integrating movement into daily routines, children can improve their cardiovascular health, mental well-being, and academic performance. The collaboration between the NFL and the American Heart Association leverages the popularity of football to engage young people, potentially reversing troubling trends in youth physical activity. More information, including resources and grant opportunities, is available at heart.org/NFLPLAY60.
