The American Heart Association and the National Football League (NFL) have selected 136 schools nationwide to receive Kids Heart Challenge™, American Heart Challenge™, and NFL PLAY 60™ grants, aiming to improve physical activity and well-being for students and faculty. The announcement was made at an NFL PLAY 60 school assembly at Lawton Alternative School in San Francisco, California, with NFL mascots in attendance ahead of Super Bowl LX.
According to the American Heart Association, only 1 in 4 children ages 6 to 11 meet the recommended 60 minutes of daily physical activity, a statistic that more than doubles for youth ages 12 to 17. The enhanced grant structure includes a $350,000 annual funding pool provided by the NFL, building on the existing school grant program. The grants support four key areas: physical activity equipment, FLAG football, recess enhancements and inclusive physical education, and well-being resources.
"Every student deserves the chance to learn, grow and feel their best throughout the school day. By expanding this grant program, we are helping schools create more moments of movement and more spaces where kids feel supported in both their physical and emotional well-being," said Nancy Brown, chief executive officer of the American Heart Association. "As we shape our next century of impact, the American Heart Association is proud to work alongside the NFL to ensure that students everywhere have access to opportunities that will allow them to live longer, healthier lives."
The NFL PLAY 60 initiative, rooted in science, encourages kids to get at least 60 minutes of vigorous physical activity daily, aligning with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. This season, NFL mascots are also joining the inaugural NFL PLAY 60 Ambassador Class to inspire kids to move more for mental and physical well-being. The eight ambassadors include Freddie Falcon (Atlanta Falcons), Sir Purr (Carolina Panthers), Roary (Detroit Lions), and K.C. Wolf (Kansas City Chiefs), among others.
"For two decades, NFL PLAY 60 has been committed to helping kids lead healthier, more active lives, and this year’s expanded grant program reflects that commitment in an even larger way," said Megan Mendoza, Senior Manager of Social Responsibility, NFL. "We’re proud to work with the American Heart Association to give schools across the country the tools and resources they need to inspire movement, strengthen well‑being and ensure that every student has the opportunity to thrive."
Grant applications are accepted year-round, with another group of recipients to be announced in April. More information on NFL PLAY 60 resources and grant opportunities is available at heart.org/NFLPLAY60. The American Heart Association, supported by over 35 million volunteers globally, funds research and advocates for public health, while NFL PLAY 60 has empowered millions of youth for nearly 20 years.
