The American Heart Association and the National Football League (NFL) have awarded NFL PLAY 60 grants to 164 schools across 44 states, aiming to combat declining physical activity and rising obesity among American children. This initiative, announced July 17, 2026, is part of a $350,000 annual investment from the NFL through its collaboration with the American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere.
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 50%. Fewer than 1 in 4 children in the United States currently get enough physical activity. The NFL PLAY 60 grants help schools meet critical wellness needs identified by educators, from equipment and recess enhancements to 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, 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.”
NFL PLAY 60 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. Megan Mendoza, senior manager of social responsibility, NFL, noted, “For many kids, staying active isn’t about interest. It's about access to the right space, equipment and time to move. 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.”
This marks the third round of NFL PLAY 60 grants awarded in 2026, with the grants distributed through the 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.
The American Heart Association, supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, funds groundbreaking research, advocates for public health, and provides critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. The NFL PLAY 60 initiative has empowered millions of youth to get physically active for at least 60 minutes a day for 20 years, providing support for programs and resources so that kids everywhere can lead a healthy lifestyle.
