NFL and American Heart Association Partner to Train Lifesavers at 2025 Green Bay Draft

The American Heart Association and the National Football League are joining forces to transform bystanders into potential lifesavers during the 2025 NFL Draft in Green Bay, Wisconsin. By providing free Hands-Only CPR training at the draft's experience, the organizations hope to address the critical issue of low cardiac arrest survival rates outside hospitals.

Currently, 90% of people who experience cardiac arrest outside medical facilities do not survive. Immediate CPR can double or triple a person's chance of survival, making public education crucial. The Nation of Lifesavers Mobile CPR Unit will offer walk-up style instruction from April 24-26, teaching participants the correct compression techniques for potential emergency responses.

The initiative gained momentum following Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin's cardiac arrest during a 2023 Monday Night Football game. Hamlin, now recovered, serves as the National Ambassador for the campaign, helping inspire widespread CPR training and awareness.

Beyond immediate training, the partnership seeks broader systemic changes. The organizations are advocating for legislation in Wisconsin to implement cardiac emergency response plans in public schools, addressing the estimated 23,000 annual cardiac arrests among children under 18, with nearly 40% occurring during sports activities.

NFL Vice President of Public Policy Kenneth Edmonds emphasized the importance of proactive measures, calling for lawmakers to support legislation that enhances student athlete safety. This collaborative effort represents a significant step toward creating communities better prepared to respond to sudden cardiac emergencies.

The NFL's involvement extends beyond the draft, with over half of the league's teams hosting American Heart Association training and education opportunities. By leveraging its platform and reach, the NFL aims to transform public understanding of cardiac emergency response and potentially save countless lives.