The American Heart Association and the National Football League (NFL) have awarded NFL PLAY 60 grants to 164 schools in 44 states, aiming to address declining physical activity and rising obesity rates among American children. The grants, part of a $350,000 annual investment from the NFL, support school-based programs including Kids Heart Challenge™ and American Heart Challenge™. This is the third round of grants awarded in 2026.
According to 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 50%. Fewer than 1 in 4 children in the United States currently get enough physical activity. The NFL PLAY 60 initiative 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.
“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. “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.”
This funding is particularly significant given the rising obesity rates and the lack of physical activity among children. By providing resources directly to schools, the program aims to create sustainable changes in student health. 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, now in its 20th year, empowers millions of youth to get physically active for at least 60 minutes a day. Together, these organizations aim to improve health outcomes for students across the nation.
