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 declining physical activity and rising obesity rates among American youth. This initiative, part of the Association’s school-based programs Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge, represents the third round of grants in 2026 and is funded by a $350,000 annual investment from the NFL.
The grants come at a critical time, as new research published in the American Heart Association's flagship journal, Circulation, shows that obesity among youth increased by approximately 30% between 1999 and 2023, while severe obesity rose by 50%. Fewer than one in four children in the United States currently get enough physical activity, according to the release.
“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 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. The grants help schools meet critical wellness needs identified by educators, including equipment, recess enhancements, 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.”
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 and advocates for public health. The NFL PLAY 60 initiative has empowered millions of youth to get physically active for at least 60 minutes a day for 20 years, working alongside the NFL’s 32 clubs and partners.
