RIO RANCHO, N.M., Sept. 23, 2026 — A Rio Rancho student is headed to the Super Bowl after learning a skill that could one day help save a life.

Sophia of Rio Rancho was selected as one of five student winners nationwide in a partnership between the American Heart Association and the National Football League Foundation that encourages students to learn learn Hands-Only cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) through the Association's school-based programs. As a national grand prize winner, Sophia will receive two tickets to Super Bowl LXI on Feb. 14, 2027, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif.  

The award is part of an annual initiative that combines CPR education with the American Heart Association's Kids Heart Challenge™ and American Heart Challenge™ programs. Students who participated during the 2025-26 school year and completed Hands-Only CPR education were eligible for drawings for Super Bowl tickets and other prizes.

"Every student who learns Hands-Only CPR represents another potential lifesaver in their home, school or community," said Nancy Brown, chief executive officer of the American Heart Association. "The NFL's unparalleled reach into communities across the country helps us bring lifesaving CPR education directly to students where they learn and play."

Sophia was one of five student winners selected nationwide. Other winners hailed from Tonawanda, New York; Parma, Ohio; Doral, Florida; and Mesa, Arizona.

In addition to recognizing student participants, five schools across the country received $10,000 physical activity equipment makeovers through the program. Winning schools were located in Virginia, Minnesota, Tennessee, Texas and California.

Students who participate in the American Heart Association's Heart Challenge programs receive Hands-Only CPR instruction designed to prepare them to respond during a cardiac emergency. More than 350,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur in the United States each year, and immediate CPR can double or triple a person's chance of survival.

The NFL's support of the program includes a CPR education video featuring Buffalo Bills safety and cardiac arrest survivor Damar Hamlin, who shares how CPR saved his life and encourages students to learn the lifesaving skill.

The NFL Foundation has renewed its commitment for the 2026-27 school year, with another five students set to win Super Bowl tickets and five schools eligible for $10,000 fitness equipment makeovers. Parents and school administrators can learn more at heart.org/jointhechallenge

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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 100 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.

For Media Inquiries

Cyd King: cyd.king@heart.org

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org