The American Heart Association and National Football League, in collaboration with its 32 NFL clubs, are expanding their physical activity and mental wellness programming by integrating NFL PLAY 60 with the Association's Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge school programs. This initiative supports evidence-based guidance showing that active students learn better, focus more, think more clearly, and handle stress more effectively.
The partnership, now in its 19th season, builds on the American Heart Association's physical activity guidelines recommending children get at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity daily. The combined programs reach over 10 million families annually, focusing on developing healthy habits and reducing sedentary behaviors in children for both immediate and long-term health benefits.
New this year is the NFL PLAY 60 Family Challenge, encouraging families to get active together at home while prioritizing wellness. As part of Kids Heart Challenge, students and families will learn Hands-Only CPR through the Finn's Mission learning module, supported by an introduction video from Damar Hamlin, Buffalo Bills safety and cardiac arrest survivor. Students completing CPR instruction can enter to win Super Bowl LXI tickets, with five individual winners and five schools receiving $10,000 fitness equipment makeovers.
The program also introduces an expanded $350,000 grant program for schools focusing on physical activity, FLAG football, recess, and inclusive physical education. Applications will be open year-round at https://heart.org/NFLPLAY60 to help educators support students in real time.
Returning by popular demand is the NFL PLAY 60 Exercise Library, featuring two-to-three minute on-demand exercise videos from all 32 NFL teams with players, legends, cheerleaders, and mascots. These resources help parents, teachers, and caregivers keep children active during inclement weather or when students need movement breaks to refocus in the classroom.
Nancy Brown, chief executive officer of the American Heart Association, emphasized that bringing together these legacy programs represents a milestone in meeting young people where they are and reinforcing the shared commitment to building healthier lives through physical activity and heart health. NFL Senior Vice President of Social Responsibility Anna Isaacson noted the expansion includes new resources supporting both physical health and mental wellness for the country's youth.
