Only 25% of U.S. youth ages 6-11 and 14% of those ages 12-17 meet the recommended 60 minutes of daily physical activity, according to the American Heart Association’s 2026 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics Update. To combat this, the American Heart Association and the NFL are promoting healthier habits through the NFL PLAY 60 initiative. On June 22, 2026, more than 100 sixth-grade students from Robert Fulton Elementary School in North Bergen, New Jersey, participated in a PLAY 60 event at the North Bergen Recreation Center, joined by New York Giants quarterback Jameis Winston.
Winston, a Heisman Trophy winner and former No. 1 overall NFL draft pick, led students through interactive drills supported by USA Football. The stations focused on movement, teamwork, and skill-building, designed to make physical activity engaging and accessible. “This summer the World Cup is bringing people together, and we want to multiply that energy by collaborating both football communities for maximum impact,” Winston said. “Through NFL PLAY 60, this initiative is about helping kids stay active, build healthy habits and see how sports can unite and inspire the next generation.”
The NFL PLAY 60 initiative encourages children to get at least 60 minutes of physical activity daily, supporting both immediate and long-term physical and mental health. Nancy Brown, chief executive officer of the American Heart Association, emphasized the importance of meeting young people where they are. “Programs like NFL PLAY 60 help us meet young people where they are - with experiences that make physical activity engaging and sustainable,” Brown said. “Together with the NFL, we are helping build healthier futures by making daily movement a priority for every child.”
The partnership between the NFL and the American Heart Association dates back to 2006, bringing physical activity to life through school and community programming. The initiative aligns with the Heart Association’s guidelines recommending at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous activity daily for children. Research shows regular movement supports cardiovascular health, improves focus, stress management, and classroom performance.
To address barriers like limited time, space, or weather, NFL PLAY 60 offers the NFL PLAY 60 Exercise Library, featuring short, on-demand videos from all 32 NFL teams. These resources help educators, families, and caregivers incorporate physical activity throughout the day. Today’s event is part of the broader NFL PLAY 60 movement, reaching millions of youth nationwide through school programs, community events, and digital tools.
More information, including resources and grant opportunities, is available at heart.org/NFLPLAY60. The American Heart Association, a relentless force for longer, healthier lives, has been a leading source of health information for over a century. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, the organization funds groundbreaking research, advocates for public health, and provides critical resources to combat cardiovascular disease and stroke.
