New York Giants quarterback Jameis Winston joined more than 100 sixth-grade students from Robert Fulton Elementary School in North Bergen, New Jersey, on June 22, 2026, for an NFL PLAY 60 event aimed at boosting youth physical activity. The event, held at the North Bergen Recreation Center, featured interactive drills designed by USA Football to make movement engaging and accessible. Students rotated through stations focused on teamwork, skill-building, and physical activity, reinforcing the importance of daily exercise for lifelong wellness.
The initiative comes as new data from the American Heart Association's 2026 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics Update reveals that only about a quarter of U.S. youth ages 6-11 and 14% of those ages 12-17 meet the recommended 60 minutes of daily physical activity. The American Heart Association and the NFL have partnered since 2006 to address this through NFL PLAY 60, which encourages children to get at least 60 minutes of activity each day to support both physical and mental health.
"This summer the World Cup is bringing people together, and we want to multiply that energy by collaborating both football communities for maximum impact," said Winston, a Heisman Trophy winner and former No. 1 overall NFL draft pick. "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."
Nancy Brown, chief executive officer of the American Heart Association, emphasized the program's role in making physical activity sustainable. "Programs like NFL PLAY 60 help us meet young people where they are—with experiences that make physical activity engaging and sustainable," she said. "Together with the NFL, we are helping build healthier futures by making daily movement a priority for every child."
Research cited by the American Heart Association shows that regular movement supports cardiovascular health, improves focus, stress management, and classroom performance. To help overcome barriers such as 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 enable educators, families, and caregivers to incorporate physical activity throughout the day.
Today’s event is part of the broader NFL PLAY 60 movement, which reaches 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.
