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 in 2026 is part of the $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 funding expands on an existing school grant program, which in this cycle specifically supported CPR readiness programs in schools.
Approximately 1 in 5 children in the United States live with obesity, matching the number who get the recommended 60 minutes of daily physical activity. The grants address this disparity by funding physical activity equipment, FLAG football, recess enhancements, inclusive physical education, and well-being resources. Nancy Brown, CEO of the American Heart Association, emphasized that educators know their students' needs, and the grant program helps provide health-focused and cardiac emergency readiness resources that might otherwise be unattainable. She expressed gratitude for the NFL's support in ensuring equal opportunities for children to live longer, healthier lives.
NFL PLAY 60, rooted in science, aligns with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. The initiative also involves 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), who inspire kids to move more for mental and physical well-being.
During the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the Association and NFL will attempt to claim the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title for 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 April 24 from 1-2 p.m. ET at Acrisure Stadium. The effort encourages fans to join the Nation of Lifesavers by learning Hands-Only CPR. Participation is free, and registration is open at heart.org/NFLDraft.
Grant applications are accepted year-round, with another group of recipients to be announced in June. 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, advocates for public health, and provides resources to combat cardiovascular disease and stroke. The NFL PLAY 60 initiative has empowered millions of youth to get active for nearly 20 years, working with all 32 NFL clubs and partners to promote healthy lifestyles.
