Collective Efforts Across the NFL Community Have Reached 1.9 Million Individuals Through Cancer Screening Initiatives
NEW YORK, NY – Sept 26, 2025 – This weekend marks the on-field launch of Crucial Catch, the NFL’s early cancer detection and risk reduction initiative in partnership with the American Cancer Society. The initiative is brought to life on-field and throughout team markets during Weeks 4-6 of the season, but the impact lasts year-round. In its 17th season, Crucial Catch has reached millions of fans by helping them to understand the importance of early detection and empower them to take ownership of their health.
Together, the league and American Cancer Society raise funds while bringing awareness to the ongoing work done to provide cancer screenings and awareness resources to underserved communities.
Since its launch in 2009, the NFL has raised $35 million for the American Cancer Society to help improve cancer screening resources. Funds raised through Crucial Catch-branded merchandise, NFL Auction items and general fundraising have supported the American Cancer Society’s CHANGE grant program, reaching over 1.9 million people with interventions to increase cancer screenings and improve outcomes through CHANGE grants given to health centers in all NFL team markets to expand access to cancer screenings and preventive treatments. Aligned with the league’s commitment to social impact, these grants have supported more than 840,000 cancer screenings in identified communities with the greatest need.
A map of all NFL-funded CHANGE Grants can be found here.
“Crucial Catch allows the NFL and American Cancer Society to provide education on cancer risks, patient navigation and other screening resources to fans around the world,” said Anna Isaacson, NFL senior vice president of social responsibility. “As teams, players, fans and the entire NFL family amplify the importance of early cancer detection through Crucial Catch, we make progress towards addressing and lowering health disparities.”
“The NFL’s commitment and resources have been instrumental in advancing our mission to end cancer as we know it, for everyone,” said Shane Jacobson, CEO of the American Cancer Society. “Through Crucial Catch, we can break down barriers to cancer screening, particularly in communities that face the greatest need. When people have the opportunity to detect cancer early, outcomes improve, lives are extended, and families have more time together.”
Partnership Activations
New league partner Novartis, a leading innovative medicines company, announced a donation of $5 million over the next five seasons to expand Crucial Catch’s screening efforts. Together, alongside ACS, Novartis will join the league in its commitment to empower proactive health decisions, help more people detect cancer early and address the unequal burden of cancer in under-resourced communities. For more details on the partnership, visit Novartis.com/NFL.
Fans are encouraged to take action for their health by visiting NFL.com/CrucialCatch to find cancer prevention and screening resources near them. The site features the American Cancer Society’s 24/7 cancer helpline, live chat support and a cancer screening locator, presented by Novartis, which provides nearby screening centers and appointment scheduling. The Defender quiz, in partnership with Sleep Number, helps fans identify their personal risk factors while providing educational tips for early detection. Through the resources found on NFL.com/CrucialCatch, users can also set up personalized screening reminders to ensure access to trusted resources and tools to reduce cancer risks.
Impact Shown through Content
The NFL’s cause initiative channels will highlight the risks of skin cancer through a new feature centered on Las Vegas Raiders running back Raheem Mostert. A skin cancer survivor and American Cancer Society ambassador, Mostert shares his personal journey while offering prevention tips for all skin types. The feature also includes insights from Dr. Arif Kamal, Chief Patient Officer at the American Cancer Society, who stresses the importance of regular skin checks and proactive prevention methods. Previews will run during Crucial Catch activation weeks (4–6) across NFL Network and social channels, with the full profile premiering December 27 on CBS during Fields of Change.
This season’s cause marketing campaign, Man Out of the Arena, underscores the NFL family’s ongoing commitment to making a meaningful impact beyond the field. It spotlights the character, leadership, and influence of players as they work together to inspire, connect, and uplift communities. The campaign aims to demonstrate how collective actions off the field reflect the league’s values, while serving as a powerful force for unity and positive change. You can watch the spot here.
Crucial Catch on a Local Level
Both on and off the field, NFL players promote causes most important to them and use their platforms to share their unique experiences. Clubs across the league will also activate the initiative in their markets in ways that most resonate with their fans and players.
Through the American Cancer Society Player Ambassador program, 19 NFL players who have a personal tie to cancer amplify the mission and vision of Crucial Catch through appearances, fundraising campaigns and raising awareness across social media. A full list of player ambassadors is below:
| Player Name | Team |
| Tutu Atwell | Los Angeles Rams |
| Julius Chestnut | Tennessee Titans |
| Demario Davis | New Orleans Saints |
| Jermaine Eluemunor | New York Giants |
| Cameron Heyward | Pittsburgh Steelers |
| Connor Heyward | Pittsburgh Steelers |
| Josh Hines-Allen | Jacksonville Jaguars |
| Ernest Jones IV | Seattle Seahawks |
| Alexander Mattison | Miami Dolphins |
| Tanner McKee | Philadelphia Eagles |
| Bradley Pinion | Atlanta Falcons |
| Dak Prescott | Dallas Cowboys |
| C.J. Ham | Minnesota Vikings |
| Darrell Taylor | Houston Texans |
| Skylar Thompson | Pittsburgh Steelers |
| Dalvin Tomlinson | Arizona Cardinals |
| Nate Wiggins | Baltimore Ravens |
| Quincy Willimas | New York Jets |
| Quinnen Williams | New York Jets |
Crucial Catch On-Field
Crucial Catch will come to life visually on the field and in stadium during games activated throughout Weeks 4-6. Visual elements during activation games include Crucial Catch game balls, goal post wraps, field-wall banners, and on-field Nike and New Era apparel for players, coaches and officials. The apparel features a multi-colored logo representing all cancers and highlighting the NFL’s commitment to early cancer detection efforts. Game-worn Crucial Catch merchandise will be auctioned on NFL Auction at NFL.com/Auction. The NFL does not profit from the sale of Crucial Catch merchandise. Charitable contributions are awarded by the NFL Foundation to the American Cancer Society.
Fans can support their favorite team and join the fight against cancer by purchasing NFL-licensed Crucial Catch apparel on NFLShop.com/CrucialCatch. The NFL does not profit from the sale of Crucial Catch products – sales are donated to the American Cancer Society to support CHANGE grants.
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