NFL PLAY 60 launches fitness tracking competition to help students get daily minutes of movement

Competition winners to receive $1,000 PLAY 60 Health and Wellness grants from the American Heart Association and the NFL

Submitted by the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association and National Football League are asking classrooms, afterschool programs and other student groups to join the NFL PLAY 60 fitness tracking competition from Jan. 22 to Feb. 9. The classroom with the most activity minutes in each of the 32 NFL club markets will receive a $1,000 grant with an additional $1,000 PLAY 60 grant awarded to the top classroom overall. The competition and the goal of NFL PLAY 60 is to increase physical activity in kids, which impacts overall mental and physical wellness – essential to help children reach their full potential.

The NFL PLAY 60 fitness tracking competition takes place in the free NFL PLAY 60 app, (available for iOS and Android devices). The app invites users to select their NFL team and control personalized avatars onscreen with their own physical movement. Users can create custom workouts, earn special PLAY points, and unlock cool NFL gear for on-screen PLAY 60 avatars. Using the “Group Quickplay” feature in the app’s teacher dashboard, students will get active together adding to their classroom’s total activity minutes. Educators can commit to participating now at heart.org/NFLPLAY60 and will officially register their student group via the app on Jan. 22.

“Working together with the National Football League on NFL PLAY 60, we’re excited for continued ways to support getting youth across the country moving towards a healthier and more active lifestyle,” said American Heart Association CEO Nancy Brown. “It's our 100th birthday and we're committed to making our future all about improving yours. Prevention skills, as well as lifesaving skills – such as CPR – are critical to change health outcomes across generations.”

The American Heart Association and the NFL offer students, teachers and families different ways to add movement minutes to achieve their daily goal of 60 minutes of play. In addition to the NFL PLAY 60 app, the NFL PLAY 60 exercise library features two-to-three-minute on-demand exercise videos from each of the 32 NFL teams featuring players, NFL Legends, cheerleaders and mascots.

Lastly, the “NFL PLAY 60 Fitness Break” broadcasts are a series of three 15-minute synchronous broadcasts that get students moving with sneak peeks into the NFL season, including tentpole events like the NFL Kickoff, Super Bowl and NFL Draft. The last “Fitness Break” broadcast of this school year, the NFL Draft broadcast, will air on April 25 (1 p.m. ET). Advanced registration is required.

Rooted in American Heart Association science, the NFL PLAY 60 initiative helps children develop healthy habits for a better chance of a healthy adulthood. The program encourages kids to get a minimum of 60 minutes of vigorous physical activity each day to meet the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. Reducing sedentary behavior and increasing physical activity are keys to immediate and long-term health for children.

“As proud partners of the American Heart Association, the NFL is excited to once again kick off the NFL PLAY 60 fitness tracking competition to encourage students to achieve the daily goal of 60 minutes of play,” said NFL Senior Vice President of Social Responsibility Anna Isaacson. “Through our NFL PLAY 60 app, we are providing youth across the country with an interactive and engaging platform to get moving with their favorite NFL teams.”

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. Information on NFL PLAY 60 resources and additional grant opportunities can be found online at heart.org/NFLPLAY60.

More About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. During 2024 – our centennial year – we celebrate our rich 100-year history and accomplishments. As we forge ahead into our second century of bold discovery and impact, our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.