The American Heart Association and the National Football League (NFL) have awarded NFL PLAY 60 grants to 164 schools in 44 states as part of an effort to combat rising childhood obesity and improve student health. The grants, announced July 17, 2026, are the third round awarded in 2026 and are funded through a $350,000 annual investment from the NFL in collaboration with the American Heart Association.
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%. Currently, fewer than 1 in 4 children in the United States get enough physical activity, highlighting the need for programs that encourage movement.
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. The grants help schools meet critical wellness needs identified by educators, including equipment, recess enhancements, inclusive physical education, and well-being resources.
“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.”
More information on NFL PLAY 60 resources and grant opportunities is available at heart.org/NFLPLAY60.
