The American Heart Association and the National Football League (NFL) have awarded NFL PLAY 60 grants to 164 schools in 44 states, aiming to combat rising youth obesity rates by increasing physical activity among students. This third round of grants in 2026 is part of a $350,000 annual investment from the NFL through its collaboration with the American Heart Association.
According to new research published in the American Heart Association's flagship journal, Circulation, obesity among youth increased by approximately 30% between 1999 and 2023, while severe obesity rose by 50%. Fewer than 1 in 4 children in the United States currently get enough physical activity. The NFL PLAY 60 program encourages children to be physically active for at least 60 minutes a day, aligning with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans.
“Children spend so much of their time in the classroom, which makes schools powerful allies in helping them build lifelong healthy habits,” said Nancy Brown, chief executive officer of the American Heart Association. “With support from the NFL, we're proud to give schools additional opportunities to promote physical activity and student well-being so more students have a chance to live longer, healthier lives.”
The grants are awarded through the Association’s school-based programs, Kids Heart Challenge™ and American Heart Challenge™, and help schools meet critical wellness needs identified by educators, from equipment and recess enhancements to inclusive physical education and well-being resources.
“For many kids, staying active isn’t about interest. It's about access to the right space, equipment and time to move,” said Megan Mendoza, senior manager of social responsibility, NFL. “These grants help remove barriers so more students - even those who might otherwise sit on the sidelines - get the chance to jump in and play.”
The implications of this announcement are significant, as it directly addresses the growing public health crisis of childhood obesity. By providing resources to schools, the initiative aims to foster healthier habits early in life, potentially reducing long-term health risks such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. The collaboration between a major sports league and a leading health organization highlights a strategic approach to leveraging influence and funding for community health improvement. More information on NFL PLAY 60 resources and grant opportunities can be found at heart.org/NFLPLAY60.
