NFL Mascots Become PLAY 60 Ambassadors to Boost Kids' Health

In an exciting new development for youth health initiatives, six beloved NFL mascots have been named as the inaugural NFL PLAY 60 Ambassador class, bringing star power to the long-standing partnership between the National Football League and the American Heart Association. The mascots representing Freddie Falcon (Atlanta Falcons), Gumbo (New Orleans Saints), Rampage (Los Angeles Rams), Rowdy (Dallas Cowboys), Sir Purr (Carolina Panthers), and T-Rac (Tennessee Titans) will serve as charismatic advocates encouraging children to achieve the recommended minimum of 60 minutes of daily moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. This innovative approach leverages the recognition and excitement these characters generate to make fitness more engaging for young audiences, with the program rooted in evidence-based guidance showing active students learn better, focus more clearly, and handle stress more effectively.

The NFL PLAY 60 program, now in its 19th season, continues to evolve with this mascot ambassador initiative that brings a game-day atmosphere to physical activity promotion. These recognizable community figures will provide exercise ideas, promote healthy habit choices, and build team spirit throughout the school year. The program works alongside the American Heart Association's school programs like Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge, offering comprehensive resources for physical activity both at school and home. Additional components include learning modules covering individual health, friendship skills, and community support, with particularly impactful Hands-Only CPR instruction that now features an introduction video by Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin, a cardiac arrest survivor and Nation of Lifesavers National Ambassador.

Participation incentives add significant excitement to the initiative, as students completing the Hands-Only CPR instruction through Finn's Mission gain entry for two tickets to Super Bowl LXI in 2027, with five individual winners and five schools receiving $10,000 fitness equipment makeovers. The program also includes the NFL PLAY 60 Family Challenge encouraging whole-family participation, and resources like the NFL PLAY 60 Exercise Library featuring short exercise videos from all 32 NFL clubs. Parents, teachers, and caregivers can access these valuable tools at heart.org/schools and heart.org/NFLPLAY60, providing flexible options for achieving daily activity goals regardless of weather conditions or scheduling constraints.