The American Heart Association and the National Football League (NFL) have awarded grants to 188 schools in 45 states as part of the NFL PLAY 60 initiative, aimed at improving student health and emergency preparedness. This second round of grants for the year draws from a $350,000 annual funding pool provided by the NFL, which supports school-based programs including Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge.
The grants address critical needs identified by educators, such as physical activity equipment, flag football, recess enhancements, inclusive physical education, and well-being resources. The funding also expands CPR readiness programs in schools, a key focus given that cardiac emergencies can occur anywhere. According to the American Heart Association, approximately 1 in 5 children in the United States live with obesity, and the same number get the recommended 60 minutes of daily physical activity, highlighting the importance of these initiatives.
“Educators know what their students need to thrive, and this grant program is designed to help them get there by providing schools with health-focused and cardiac emergency readiness resources that might not otherwise be attainable,” said Nancy Brown, chief executive officer of the American Heart Association. “We are grateful to the NFL’s support in helping to ensure that children everywhere have equal opportunities to live longer, healthier lives, regardless of who they are or where they live.”
NFL PLAY 60, now in its nearly 20th year, encourages children to get at least 60 minutes of vigorous physical activity daily to meet the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. The program is rooted in science and aims to develop healthy habits for a longer, healthier life. NFL mascots in 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 also inspiring kids to move more for mental and physical well-being.
During the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the American Heart Association and NFL will attempt to set a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS® title for the most people to complete CPR training in one hour. The event, supported by Damar Hamlin’s Chasing M’s foundation and Doctor Mike, will take place on Friday, April 24, from 1-2 p.m. ET at Acrisure Stadium. This effort aims to encourage fans and communities to join the Nation of Lifesavers™ by learning Hands-Only CPR. Participation is free, and registration is open at heart.org/NFLDraft.
The grants are part of a broader effort to address health disparities and ensure all children have equal opportunities for physical activity and safety. Grant applications are accepted year-round, with the next group of recipients to be announced in June. More information on NFL PLAY 60 resources and grant opportunities can be found at heart.org/NFLPLAY60.
For business and technology leaders, this initiative underscores the growing intersection of corporate philanthropy and public health, leveraging sports and technology to drive community impact. The focus on CPR readiness and physical activity aligns with broader trends in workplace wellness and emergency preparedness, potentially influencing corporate health strategies.
