The American Heart Association and National Football League have selected 136 schools across the United States to receive grants through the Kids Heart Challenge™, American Heart Challenge™, and NFL PLAY 60™ programs, targeting improvements in student physical activity and faculty well-being. This initiative responds to alarming statistics showing significant declines in youth movement, with only one in four children ages 6 to 11 achieving the recommended 60 minutes of daily physical activity, a rate that more than doubles for youth ages 12 to 17 according to the American Heart Association.
This year introduces an enhanced grant structure featuring a $350,000 annual funding pool provided by the NFL, building upon the existing school grant program established by the American Heart Association. The annual winners were announced during an NFL PLAY 60 school assembly at Lawton Alternative School in San Francisco, California, with NFL mascots including Carolina Panthers' Sir Purr, Atlanta Falcons' Freddie Falcon, Detroit Lions' Roary and Kansas City Chiefs' K.C. Wolf participating in celebrations ahead of Super Bowl LX.
Nancy Brown, chief executive officer of the American Heart Association, emphasized that every student deserves opportunities to learn, grow and feel their best throughout the school day. By expanding this grant program, schools can create more moments of movement and spaces where children feel supported in both physical and emotional well-being. As the organization shapes its next century of impact, the American Heart Association takes pride in collaborating with the NFL to ensure students everywhere have access to opportunities promoting longer, healthier lives.
NFL PLAY 60 grants specifically support four key areas identified by schools and educators: physical activity equipment, FLAG football programs, recess enhancements and inclusive physical education, and well-being resources. The program encourages children to achieve 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.
Megan Mendoza, Senior Manager of Social Responsibility at the NFL, noted that for two decades, NFL PLAY 60 has been committed to helping children lead healthier, more active lives, with this year's expanded grant program reflecting that commitment on a larger scale. The NFL takes pride in partnering with the American Heart Association to provide schools nationwide with tools and resources needed to inspire movement, strengthen well-being and ensure every student has opportunities to thrive.
This season, NFL mascots are further inspiring children to increase movement through participation in the inaugural NFL PLAY 60 Ambassador Class, featuring eight members from various NFL teams. NFL PLAY 60 grant applications remain open year-round, with another group of grant recipients scheduled for announcement in April. Information regarding NFL PLAY 60 resources and available grant opportunities can be accessed online at https://heart.org/NFLPLAY60.
