NFL and American Heart Association Award Grants to 164 Schools Across 44 States to Boost Student Physical Activity

The American Heart Association and the National Football League (NFL) have awarded NFL PLAY 60 grants to 164 schools across 44 states, marking the third round of such grants in 2026. This initiative, part of a $350,000 annual investment from the NFL, aims to combat declining physical activity among American children, which has contributed to a 30% increase in youth obesity from 1999 to 2023, according to research published in the American Heart Association's journal Circulation. Severe obesity rose by 50% during the same period.

The grants are distributed through the Association’s school-based programs, Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge, to help schools meet critical wellness needs identified by educators. These include equipment, recess enhancements, and inclusive physical education and well-being resources. Fewer than 1 in 4 children in the United States currently get enough physical activity, underscoring the urgency of such interventions.

“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 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. This focus on daily activity is critical in a nation where access to space, equipment, and time for movement remains a barrier for many children.

“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 at the 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.”

The impact of these grants extends beyond individual schools, potentially influencing regional health outcomes and setting a precedent for public-private partnerships in youth wellness. By addressing physical inactivity early, the program aims to reduce long-term healthcare costs and improve quality of life for a generation of Texans and Americans. Schools receiving grants can now implement tailored programs that foster inclusive physical activity, ensuring that students of all abilities have opportunities to participate.

For more information on NFL PLAY 60 resources and grant opportunities, visit heart.org/NFLPLAY60.