The American Heart Association and the National Football League have awarded NFL PLAY 60 grants to 164 schools across 44 states, aiming to boost physical activity among students and combat rising obesity rates. This initiative comes as new research published in the American Heart Association's journal, Circulation, reveals that youth obesity increased by approximately 30% between 1999 and 2023, with severe obesity rising 50%.
The grants are part of the third round of NFL PLAY 60 funding in 2026, supported by a $350,000 annual investment from the NFL through its collaboration with the American Heart Association. The funds help schools address wellness needs identified by educators, including equipment, recess enhancements, inclusive physical education, and well-being resources.
"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, CEO 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."
Currently, fewer than 1 in 4 children in the U.S. get enough physical activity. NFL PLAY 60 encourages children to be active for at least 60 minutes a day, aligning with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans.
"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 at the 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 grants are administered through the American Heart Association's school-based programs, Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge. More information on NFL PLAY 60 resources and grant opportunities can be found at heart.org/NFLPLAY60.
