NFL Players Named Ambassadors to Boost CPR Literacy
Thirty-three NFL players will promote Hands-Only CPR training to help increase survival rates for cardiac arrest in the United States.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Heart Disease
Live Poll
Do you feel prepared to perform Hands-Only CPR in a cardiac emergency?
The American Heart Association and the NFL announced the 2026 Nation of Lifesavers Player Ambassador Class to encourage fans to learn Hands-Only CPR. This partnership aims to close gaps in emergency response and help save lives in the event of cardiac arrest.
Why it matters
Most out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur at home where immediate assistance is critical for survival. By training fans in simple life-saving techniques, the initiative seeks to improve outcomes for the thousands of people who suffer cardiac arrest annually.
Public health data shows that more than 23,000 children experience out-of-hospital cardiac arrest annually, with nearly 40% of these cases involving student-athletes. Currently, more than half of all individuals experiencing cardiac arrest outside of a hospital do not receive immediate, life-saving CPR.
The players
American Heart Association
A national health organization that funds cardiovascular research and provides public health education for heart disease prevention.
National Football League
The professional football organization that partners with health groups to improve athlete safety and promote wellness initiatives.
The details
Hands-Only CPR involves performing chest compressions at a rate of 100 to 120 beats per minute at a depth of two inches. By focusing on compressions, the technique simplifies the process for bystanders, increasing the likelihood that someone will intervene during a cardiac emergency. These ambassadors will leverage public service announcements and community initiatives to expand public knowledge of these life-saving steps.
Timeline
January 2023: Damar Hamlin suffered sudden cardiac arrest during Monday Night Football.
2023: The Smart Heart Sports Coalition was established.
October 12, 2026: The 2026 Player Ambassador Class was announced.
October 16, 2026: World Restart a Heart Day.
2030: Target date to double out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survival rates.
Health Landscape
This initiative follows the work of the Smart Heart Sports Coalition to standardize emergency response protocols for young athletes. It marks a push to translate sports-safety standards into broader public knowledge, addressing the high prevalence of cardiac arrest occurring in private homes.
Learning Hands-Only CPR is a vital step for bystanders, as most cardiac arrests occur at home. Consider finding a local training session to practice proper compression rates and depths, and consult your physician about recognizing the signs of cardiac emergencies.
The takeaway
Cardiac arrest often occurs in the home, making bystander intervention a primary factor in survival. Ensure you are prepared by learning the proper depth and cadence of chest compressions, and discuss your readiness for responding to emergencies with your physician.
Further reading
Learn more about emergency heart care at Heart Disease.
More information
For resources on training and emergency response, visit the American Heart Association website.
Live Poll
Do you feel prepared to perform Hands-Only CPR in a cardiac emergency?
