The American Heart Association and the National Football League (NFL) have awarded the third round of NFL PLAY 60 grants in 2026 to 164 schools in 44 states, aiming to combat declining physical activity and rising obesity rates among American children. This initiative is part of a $350,000 annual investment from the NFL through its collaboration with the American Heart Association.
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 50%. Fewer than 1 in 4 children in the United States currently get enough physical activity, highlighting a critical need for intervention.
The grants are awarded through the Association’s school-based programs, Kids Heart Challenge™ and American Heart Challenge™. They help schools meet critical wellness needs identified by educators, from equipment and recess enhancements to inclusive physical education and well-being resources. NFL PLAY 60 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.”
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,” she said. “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 grants are part of the NFL PLAY 60 initiative, the League’s national youth health and wellness platform that has empowered millions of youth to get physically active for at least 60 minutes a day for 20 years. More information on NFL PLAY 60 resources and grant opportunities can be found at heart.org/NFLPLAY60.
The American Heart Association, a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives, has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, the organization funds groundbreaking research, advocates for public health, and provides critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke.
