American Heart Association and NFL Award NFL PLAY 60 Grants to 164 Schools Across 44 States to Combat Rising Youth Obesity

The American Heart Association and the National Football League (NFL) have awarded NFL PLAY 60 grants to 164 schools across 44 states, aiming to boost physical activity among students and combat rising obesity rates. This initiative, part of a $350,000 annual investment from the NFL, marks the third round of grants in 2026 and supports school-based programs like Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge.

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 by 50%. Fewer than 1 in 4 children in the United States currently get enough physical activity, highlighting the urgent need for interventions. The NFL PLAY 60 program encourages children to be active for at least 60 minutes a day, aligning with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans.

“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 grants help schools meet critical wellness needs identified by educators, from equipment and recess enhancements to inclusive physical education and well-being resources. Megan Mendoza, senior manager of social responsibility at the NFL, emphasized the importance of access: “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.”

The announcement comes as a response to declining physical activity levels and rising obesity among American youth, which have significant implications for long-term health outcomes. By funding school-based programs, the initiative aims to integrate physical activity into daily routines, potentially reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and other obesity-related conditions.

More information on NFL PLAY 60 resources and grant opportunities can be found at heart.org/NFLPLAY60.