NFL PLAY 60’s exercise library keeps kids active as COVID-19 cases continue to spike

DALLAS, Dec. 16, 2020 — Today, the American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all, and the National Football League (NFL), in collaboration with its 32 NFL clubs, debuted the first-ever NFL PLAY 60 library, which features kid-friendly exercises to help kids to get their recommended 60-minutes of daily physical activity. Amidst the rising number of COVID-19 cases, schools and organized sports have begun to reinstate contact limitations leaving kids in need of fun, easy ways to stay physically active.

This free, digital library is designed to close the physical education gap by providing teachers and parents with physical activities, while incorporating brain breaks in the school day.

“It’s so important for our youth to make sure they’re able to find resources to get active during this global pandemic, especially as the cold winter months loom over parts of the country,” said Anna Isaacson, NFL SVP of Social Responsibility. “We’re proud to work with the America Heart Association to provide an exercise library that will help to make sure kids and parents have the tools to help them live the NFL PLAY 60 lifestyle, even when they may be stuck indoors.”

Getting active for 60 minutes a day is critical as kids who are regularly active have a better chance of a healthy adulthood, but only 1 in 5 kids get enough activity to meet the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans[1]. Physical activity is critical to improve immediate and long-term health for kids and their families.

The initial rollout of the NFL PLAY 60 exercise library features instruction by the Atlanta Falcons, Denver Broncos, Jacksonville Jaguars, Minnesota Vikings, New England Patriots, New York Jets, Seattle Seahawks, Cincinnati Bengals, and Washington Football Team. Exercise videos from the remaining teams will be added in the coming weeks.

From Jan. 4-22, 2021, kids will have an opportunity to vote for their favorite team exercise video in the library. The winning exercise video will be announced as part of the NFL PLAY 60 Kids Day, which will take place on Wednesday, Feb. 3. Held during Super Bowl week, Kids Day is a national day of action to inspire kids to get moving, either in-person or virtually, with their classmates, teachers and families. Registration for Kids Day is open now at heat.org/KidsDay.

In addition to the NFL PLAY 60 exercise library, the NFL and the American Heart Association provide a variety of tools to add movement throughout the day. Powered by Go Noodle and Discovery Education, video content, activities and family challenges can be accessed at heart.org/NFLPLAY60.

“Active kids learn better. When kids are active, they focus more, think more clearly, react to stress more calmly, and perform and behave better in the classroom,” said Eduardo Sanchez, M.D., MPH, the American Heart Association's chief medical officer for prevention. “Healthy eating and regular physical activity are always key to supporting kids’ health and their future health, and it’s especially critical during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Since 2006, the NFL and the American Heart Association have teamed up to inspire kids by providing fun and engaging ways to get physically active. In addition to the online resources found at heart.org/nflplay60, the free NFL PLAY 60 app helps kids get more movement throughout the day. The PLAY 60 app allows users to control personalized avatars onscreen with their own physical movement. The app is available for iOS and Android devices.

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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 nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.

About NFL PLAY 60

NFL PLAY 60 is the League's national youth health and wellness campaign to encourage kids to get physically active for at least 60 minutes a day. Since PLAY 60 launched in 2007, the NFL has committed more than $352 million to youth health and fitness through PLAY 60 programming, grants and media time for public service announcements. Over the past decade, the NFL has partnered with leading academic, scientific and nonprofit organizations to help children of all abilities lead healthier, active lives. The NFL and its clubs have supported programs in over 73,000 schools and constructed more than 265 youth fitness zones nationwide—giving more than 38 million children an opportunity to boost their physical activity levels. NFL PLAY 60 is also implemented locally, as part of the NFL's in-school, after-school and team-based programs. For more information, visit NFL.com/PLAY60.

For Media Inquiries:

American Heart Association

Linzy Cotaya: 504-872-3446; linzy.cotaya@heart.org

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

heart.org and stroke.org

NFL

Jordyn White
Jordyn.White@nfl.com