The American Heart Association and the National Football League (NFL) have awarded NFL PLAY 60 grants to 164 schools in 44 states, aiming to address declining physical activity among American children and rising obesity rates. This announcement comes as new research published in the American Heart Association's flagship journal, Circulation, reveals that obesity among youth increased by approximately 30% between 1999 and 2023, with severe obesity rising by 50%. The grants, part of a $350,000 annual investment from the NFL, are distributed through the Association's school-based programs, Kids Heart Challenge™ and American Heart Challenge™.
These grants help schools meet critical wellness needs identified by educators, including equipment, recess enhancements, inclusive physical education, and well-being resources. This is the third round of NFL PLAY 60 grants awarded in 2026, reflecting a sustained commitment to improving student health. "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."
Fewer than 1 in 4 children in the United States currently get enough physical activity, according to the release. 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 at the NFL, emphasized that access to appropriate space, equipment, and time is a key barrier. "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," she said.
The initiative is part of a broader effort by the American Heart Association and the NFL to promote physical activity and health equity. More information on NFL PLAY 60 resources and grant opportunities can be found at heart.org/NFLPLAY60.
