The National Football League (NFL) and the American Heart Association have partnered to address a critical public health challenge: childhood physical inactivity. Their collaborative NFL PLAY 60 Day of Play program aims to inspire students nationwide to increase daily physical activity and develop long-term healthy habits.
Thirty-five schools representing NFL teams across the country will participate in this innovative health initiative, which seeks to combat the growing risks associated with sedentary lifestyles among youth. Research from the American Heart Association indicates that physical inactivity during childhood significantly increases the risk of developing serious health conditions such as coronary artery disease, stroke, obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
Each participating school will receive an official NFL PLAY 60 Day of Play interactive kit containing footballs, fitness dice, and heart-health challenges. The program transforms school environments into dynamic movement zones, ensuring students engage in varied physical activities, games, and exercise challenges while learning about cardiovascular health.
Three schools—representing the Super Bowl LIX, Super Bowl LX, and 2025 NFL Draft markets—will additionally receive $2,500 grants to support their Day of Play activation. These schools include Dickinson Elementary in De Pere, Wisconsin; Rudolph Matas Elementary in Metairie, Louisiana; and Longfellow Elementary in San Francisco.
Nancy Brown, CEO of the American Heart Association, emphasized the program's importance, stating that children need interactive, confidence-building experiences that establish a culture of health from an early age. The initiative encourages students to participate in at least 60 minutes of vigorous physical activity daily, aligning with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' physical activity guidelines.
NFL Senior Vice President of Social Responsibility Anna Isaacson highlighted the league's commitment to children's health, noting that the Day of Play event provides youth nationwide an opportunity to become more physically active while learning about the importance of exercise.
The program extends beyond these 35 schools, with a free activation guide available for any school interested in implementing the Day of Play experience. Additional resources include NFL PLAY 60 Fitness Breaks, an Exercise Library featuring content from all 32 NFL teams, and a mobile app that allows users to create personalized workouts.
By combining entertainment, education, and physical activity, the NFL PLAY 60 Day of Play initiative represents a promising approach to addressing youth health challenges, potentially influencing long-term wellness outcomes for participating students.
