The American Heart Association and the National Football League (NFL) have awarded grants to 188 schools in 45 states through the Association's school-based programs, Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge. This second round of grants for the year draws from a $350,000 annual funding pool provided by the NFL through NFL PLAY 60, a campaign aimed at improving youth health by encouraging at least 60 minutes of daily physical activity. The expanded funding also supports CPR readiness programs in schools, building on existing grant initiatives.
Approximately 1 in 5 children in the United States lives with obesity, matching the proportion who meet the recommended 60 minutes of daily physical activity. The grants aim to address this disparity by providing schools with health-focused resources that might otherwise be unattainable. Nancy Brown, CEO of the American Heart Association, emphasized the importance of tailoring support to educators' needs, stating that the program helps children everywhere have equal opportunities for longer, healthier lives.
NFL PLAY 60 grants target specific areas identified by schools, including physical activity equipment, flag football, recess enhancements, inclusive physical education, and well-being resources. The initiative is rooted in science and aligns with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, which recommend 60 minutes of vigorous activity daily for children.
In addition to grants, NFL mascots from the NFL PLAY 60 Ambassador Class—including Freddie Falcon (Atlanta Falcons), Gumbo (New Orleans Saints), Rampage (Los Angeles Rams), Roary (Detroit Lions), Rowdy (Dallas Cowboys), Sir Purr (Carolina Panthers), and T-Rac (Tennessee Titans)—are inspiring kids to move more for mental and physical well-being.
During the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh, the Association and NFL will attempt to set a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title for the most people trained in CPR in one hour. The event, supported by Damar Hamlin’s Chasing M’s foundation and Doctor Mike, will take place on April 24 from 1-2 p.m. ET at Acrisure Stadium. Registration is free at heart.org/NFLDraft. The effort encourages families and communities to join the Nation of Lifesavers by learning Hands-Only CPR.
Grant applications are accepted year-round, with the next group of recipients announced in June. More information on NFL PLAY 60 resources and grant opportunities is available at heart.org/NFLPLAY60.
