3 schools win NFL PLAY 60 grants to boost student fitness

The American Heart Association and the National Football League provide $1,000 financial grants to support physical activity

2025-04-08

(Press-News.org) DALLAS, April 8, 2025 — For students to get their health into the endzone, a mix of various cardio and strength exercises that work different parts of the body is ideal for whole body health, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. That is why the American Heart Association and the National Football League (NFL), in collaboration with the 32 teams, held the NFL PLAY 60 Exercise Blitz to get students moving leading up to Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans. Three schools, named the national winners of the Exercise Blitz, received $1,000 NFL PLAY 60 grants for improvements to the schools’ physical activity equipment.

“At the American Heart Association, our future is all about improving yours,” said American Heart Association Chief Executive Officer Nancy Brown. “For 18 years, the American Heart Association and the NFL have teamed up to inspire kids to get moving to support their overall wellness by pairing fun with health fundamentals to drive life-long wellness through NFL PLAY 60. In our century of work, the American Heart Association will continue to be laser focused to propel physical and mental health in children.”

Douglas Road Elementary in Lambertville, Mich. on behalf of the Detroit Lions, LaMuth Middle School in Painesville, Ohio on behalf of the Cleveland Browns and Cook-Wissahickon School in Philadelphia on behalf of the Philadelphia Eagles are the three winning schools of the NFL PLAY 60 Exercise Blitz. Held from Jan. 27- 31, the Exercise Blitz invited students to complete a 5-day physical activity video series, featuring special guests from the NFL. Teachers tracked student completion of movement minutes and submitted the tracker for an opportunity to receive a grant. The winning three schools were drawn at random.

Physical activity positively impacts overall mental and physical wellness which is essential to help children reach their full potential[1]. That is why the American Heart Association, a global force changing the future of health for all, offer a suite of resources to parents, teachers and caregivers to add movement to each day. The NFL PLAY 60 Exercise Library features two-to-three minute exercise videos from each of the 32 NFL teams featuring players, NFL Legends, cheerleaders and mascots. The free NFL PLAY 60 app allows users to select their favorite team and control personalized avatars onscreen with their own physical movement. Users can create custom workouts and earn special PLAY points and unlock cool NFL gear for on-screen PLAY 60 avatars.

“Every year, NFL PLAY 60 helps students across the country achieve their daily goal of 60 minutes of play through the innovative and engaging NFL PLAY 60 app,” said NFL Senior Vice President of Social Responsibility Anna Isaacson. “We look forward to continuing to work with our partners at the American Heart Association to provide students with resources they need to lead healthy lifestyles.”

Rooted in American Heart Association science, the NFL PLAY 60 initiative helps children to develop healthy habits for a better chance of a healthy adulthood. The NFL and the American Heart Association have been teaming up since 2006 to inspire kids through fun and engaging ways to get physically active for at least 60 minutes a day. Reducing sedentary behavior and increasing physical activity are key to immediate and long-term health for children. Information on NFL PLAY 60 resources and additional grant opportunities can be found online at heart.org/NFLPLAY60.

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About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.

About NFL PLAY 60

NFL PLAY 60 is the League’s national youth health and wellness platform. In its 18th season, the initiative empowers millions of youth to get physically active for at least 60 minutes a day and provides support for programs and resources so that kids everywhere can lead a healthy lifestyle. Alongside the NFL’s 32 NFL clubs and partners, the PLAY 60 movement will continue to serve and motivate the next generation of youth to get active and PLAY 60. For more information, visit NFL.com/PLAY60.

[1] https://odphp.health.gov/our-work/nutrition-physical-activity/physical-activity-guidelines

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