NFL PLAY 60 Encourages Kids to Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

The American Heart Association (AHA) and the National Football League (NFL) and its 32 teams are challenging kids to stay physically active in order to support strong physical and mental health with the latest installment of the NFL PLAY 60 Fitness Break broadcast series leading up to the live NFL Draft coverage on Thursday, April 25. On Draft Day, the NFL PLAY 60 Draft Fitness Break broadcast will help kids achieve their daily 60 minutes of movement through the free, 15-minute exercise program.

AHA recommendations advise that kids get a minimum of 60 minutes of vigorous physical activity each day. Developing healthy habits through regular exercise and discouraging sedentary behaviors in kids is key to achieving immediate and long-term health benefits and can also play a role in the classroom, according to the AHA. Research shows that physically active students tend to have better grades, cognitive performance, and classroom behaviors.

“At the AHA, our future is all about improving yours. Working together with the NFL on NFL PLAY 60, we’re excited to continue to support getting youth across the country moving toward a healthier and more active lifestyle,” said AHA and American Stroke Association Chief Executive Officer Nancy Brown. “Wellness education and lifesaving skills, such as CPR, are critical to help people across generations live longer, healthier lives.”

Rooted in AHA science, the Fitness Break broadcasts help students learn more about how physical activity supports their overall wellness. During the upcoming NFL Draft broadcast, the Draft host team, the Detroit Lions, with appearances by the Atlanta Falcons, Indianapolis Colts, and mascots from around the league will encourage kids to move with exercise instruction, while educating them on nutrition.

This marks the third broadcast of the school year. The NFL PLAY 60 Fitness Break Kickoff broadcast was held in September, and the NFL Super Bowl Fitness Break took place in February. This Draft Day event will feature a new suite of NFL PLAY 60 resources, including Fitness Break broadcasts, for the 2024-2025 school year. Moreover, students can continue to use on-demand NFL PLAY 60 resources to help them add movement to their day.

Notably, the NFL PLAY 60 Exercise Library features 2- to 3-minute on-demand exercise videos from each of the 32 NFL teams, with players, NFL legends, cheerleaders, and mascots. Additionally, the NFL PLAY 60 app enables participants to select their favorite team and control personalized avatars on screen with their own physical movement. Users can design their own custom workouts and earn special PLAY points and NFL merchandise for on-screen PLAY 60 avatars.

“As proud partners of the AHA, the NFL is excited to once again collaborate on the NFL PLAY 60 Draft Fitness Break to encourage students to reach the daily goal of 60 minutes of physical activity,” said NFL Senior Vice President of Social Responsibility Anna Isaacson via a press release. “We hope the inspirational stories of this year’s Draft prospects will encourage students across the country to embrace healthy lifestyles to help them achieve their dreams.”