NFL and American Heart Association Launch Super Bowl LIX Fitness Break to Promote Youth Physical Activity

The National Football League and the American Heart Association are partnering to combat childhood inactivity through an innovative 15-minute streaming broadcast designed to encourage elementary school students to get moving. The NFL PLAY 60 Fitness Break, scheduled for February 5th, will synchronously stream across schools nationwide, delivering an action-packed movement program featuring players from the New Orleans Saints, San Francisco 49ers, Kansas City Chiefs, and Philadelphia Eagles.

The initiative addresses a critical health concern: children's declining physical activity levels. According to the American Heart Association, children should engage in a minimum of 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity daily to support their overall wellness. The broadcast not only provides exercise opportunities but also educates students about the comprehensive benefits of regular movement, including improved sleep, enhanced cognition, and reduced risk of future health complications.

As part of the program, 32 national grant winners will be announced, each receiving $1,000 to purchase physical activity equipment. This strategic investment aims to create sustainable opportunities for movement in educational environments. The broadcast builds upon the organization's decade-long collaboration, which has consistently sought innovative approaches to inspire youth physical engagement.

Beyond the streaming event, the NFL and American Heart Association will host 1,000 New Orleans area students at Pan American Stadium, offering football-themed skills training and introducing Hands-Only CPR. This multifaceted approach underscores the organizations' commitment to holistic youth health development.

The NFL PLAY 60 Fitness Break represents more than a simple exercise program; it is a targeted intervention designed to establish lifelong healthy habits. By making physical activity engaging and accessible, the initiative addresses growing concerns about sedentary lifestyles among children, potentially mitigating future health risks such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.