NFL and American Heart Association Launch Nationwide Initiative to Boost Youth Physical Activity

The National Football League (NFL) and the American Heart Association have partnered to address a critical public health challenge: childhood physical inactivity. Through the NFL PLAY 60 Day of Play initiative, 35 schools nationwide will participate in an immersive program designed to encourage students to increase daily physical activity and develop lifelong healthy habits.

Physical inactivity among children poses significant health risks, including increased potential for developing coronary artery disease, stroke, obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes. By targeting students through an engaging, interactive program, the initiative aims to transform sedentary behaviors and promote comprehensive wellness.

Each participating school will receive an official NFL PLAY 60 Day of Play interactive kit featuring footballs, fitness dice, and heart-health challenges. The program transforms school environments into movement zones, ensuring students can engage in various physical activities tailored to different interests and abilities.

Three schools representing Super Bowl LIX, Super Bowl LX, and the 2025 NFL Draft markets will receive additional $2,500 grants to support their Day of Play activation. The schools span diverse geographic regions, representing NFL teams from Arizona to Washington, and will implement their programs between now and June 2025.

Nancy Brown, CEO of the American Heart Association, emphasized the program's long-term significance, highlighting its role in creating memorable, confidence-building experiences that instill a culture of health from an early age. NFL Senior Vice President of Social Responsibility Anna Isaacson reinforced the league's commitment to providing children with resources for healthy development.

The initiative encourages students to achieve the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' recommendation of 60 minutes of vigorous daily physical activity. By making health and wellness fun and relatable, the program seeks to inspire students to take proactive steps toward their personal well-being.

With nearly two decades of collaboration, the NFL and American Heart Association continue to demonstrate that engaging, enjoyable physical activity can be a powerful tool in promoting children's immediate and long-term health outcomes.