The National Football League has launched a new initiative featuring six team mascots as inaugural NFL PLAY 60 Ambassadors, partnering with the American Heart Association to address the critical need for increased physical activity among children. This program expansion comes at a time when sedentary behaviors among youth have become a significant public health concern, with research showing that students who are active learn better, focus more, and perform better academically.
The 2025 season ambassadors include Freddie Falcon (Atlanta Falcons), Gumbo (New Orleans Saints), Rampage (Los Angeles Rams), Rowdy (Dallas Cowboys), Sir Purr (Carolina Panthers), and T-Rac (Tennessee Titans). These recognizable characters will bring a game-day atmosphere to the program while encouraging exercise, promoting healthy habits, and building team spirit throughout the school year. The initiative builds on the 19-season history of NFL PLAY 60, which has consistently evolved to meet the changing needs of children.
Nancy Brown, chief executive officer of the American Heart Association, emphasized the importance of this collaboration. "Collaborating with these NFL mascots brings our science to life in a fun and engaging way to help kids develop healthy habits so they can grow to their full potential," Brown stated. The partnership leverages evidence-based guidance showing that regular physical activity supports not only physical health but also cognitive function and stress management.
The program integrates with existing school initiatives, working alongside the Association's Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge programs. Resources available through heart.org/schools provide comprehensive support for both school and home-based activities. A significant component includes Hands-Only CPR instruction, featuring an introduction video by Damar Hamlin, Buffalo Bills safety and cardiac arrest survivor, who serves as Nation of Lifesavers National Ambassador.
Students who complete the CPR instruction gain entry for Super Bowl LXI tickets, with five individual winners and five participating schools receiving $10,000 fitness equipment makeovers. The NFL PLAY 60 Exercise Library, accessible at heart.org/NFLPLAY60, features two-to-three minute exercise videos from all 32 NFL clubs, providing valuable resources for parents, teachers, and caregivers when outdoor activities are limited.
Additional family engagement opportunities include the NFL PLAY 60 Family Challenge, which encourages households to prioritize wellness together. This comprehensive approach addresses the multifaceted nature of youth health, combining educational components with practical resources and motivational incentives. The program's expansion demonstrates the ongoing commitment of both organizations to creating sustainable solutions for improving children's health outcomes through evidence-based interventions and community engagement.
