The National Football League and the American Heart Association are addressing childhood physical inactivity through the NFL PLAY 60 Day of Play program, targeting 35 schools across the United States to promote youth health and well-being. Physical inactivity poses significant health risks for children, including increased potential for developing coronary artery disease, stroke, obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes. The initiative provides schools with interactive kits featuring footballs, fitness dice, and heart-health challenges designed to transform school environments into movement zones.
Thirty-five schools representing NFL teams nationwide will activate the program between now and June 2025. Three schools—in Green Bay, New Orleans, and San Francisco—received additional $2,500 grants to support their Day of Play activation. The schools span diverse locations, from Phoenix, Arizona, to Richmond, Virginia, ensuring broad geographic representation. Nancy Brown, chief executive officer of the American Heart Association, emphasized the program's importance, stating that children need engaging experiences that build health consciousness from an early age. The initiative aims to create memorable, confidence-building activities that inspire students to prioritize physical activity.
The Day of Play program aligns with U.S. Department of Health and Human Services guidelines, encouraging children to engage in at least 60 minutes of vigorous physical activity daily. Students will participate in various activities, games, and challenges while receiving educational content about heart health. NFL Senior Vice President of Social Responsibility Anna Isaacson highlighted the league's commitment to providing resources that support children's health and happiness. The program builds on a partnership between the NFL and American Heart Association that began in 2006, focusing on inspiring kids to become more physically active.
Beyond the 35 selected schools, any school can access the free Day of Play activation guide, which includes exercise videos, game ideas, and heart-health educational modules. Additional resources include NFL PLAY 60 Fitness Breaks, an Exercise Library featuring NFL teams' athletes, and a mobile app that allows users to create personalized workouts. By combining entertainment with education, the NFL PLAY 60 Day of Play initiative seeks to combat sedentary behaviors and establish healthy habits that can positively impact children's immediate and long-term physical and mental wellness. The program's significance lies in its direct response to the growing public health concern of childhood inactivity, leveraging the NFL's cultural influence to promote physical activity guidelines and provide accessible resources that could help reduce future healthcare burdens associated with preventable conditions.
