The NFL and American Cancer Society’s Crucial Catch Initiative is a real game-changer—literally and figuratively.
In its 16th season, this partnership is all about tackling cancer head-on, especially in communities where access to healthcare is as elusive as a perfectly thrown Hail Mary.
Crucial Catch isn’t just about raising awareness; it’s about getting fans—and everyone else—off the sidelines and into the game of cancer prevention, screening, and early detection.
A map of all NFL-funded CHANGE Grants, Links to Care Grants and IMPACT ECHO initiative sites can be found here.
Since its inception, Crucial Catch has been all about impact. The NFL has funnelled over $30 million into cancer screenings, education, and follow-up care, especially for underserved communities that often face healthcare barriers.
Through the sale of Crucial Catch merchandise and NFL Auction items, the league has managed to help over 1.8 million people access life-saving cancer resources.
The initiative’s CHANGE Grants, specifically designed to target community health centres in NFL team markets, have facilitated more than 762,000 cancer screenings.
That’s not just a number—it’s hundreds of thousands of lives that could have been forever altered by cancer if it wasn’t caught early.
But Crucial Catch doesn’t stop at just the screenings. Oh no. It also goes the extra yard with follow-up care through the Links to Care Community Grants.
This support ensures that breast cancer patients, in particular, get the critical care they need once diagnosed.
These funds improve the scheduling and tracking systems of community health centers and team-affiliated hospitals, giving patients a fighting chance by connecting them to follow-up treatments. For NFL fans, it’s a powerful reminder that this game doesn’t end when the clock runs out.
Prostate cancer also gets a spotlight this year. The American Cancer Society’s Prostate Cancer Screening IMPACT ECHO initiative is helping close the gap in cancer care for Black communities by educating healthcare providers and raising awareness about the importance of early screening.
With 12 Federally Qualified Health Centers and Safety-Net primary care facilities on board, this initiative is targeting more than 40,000 people, giving them a chance to catch the disease early.
Now, if you want to know where the NFL is funding these programs, there’s a handy map you can check out. But the message is clear: Crucial Catch isn’t just waving pom-poms for cancer awareness—it’s making concrete changes where they’re needed most.
As NFL senior vice president of social responsibility, Anna Isaacson, put it, “Since the launch of Crucial Catch 16 years ago, we’ve seen an increase in awareness of fans understanding their cancer risk and the importance of getting screened early,” said Anna Isaacson, NFL senior vice president of social responsibility.
“As the NFL amplifies cancer awareness through the voices of players, on-field branding and community activations, we are proud to continue our partnership with the American Cancer Society and deepen the impact being made through Crucial Catch.” This isn’t just a flash in the pan—this is lasting change.
For fans wanting to dive deeper into their own health, the American Cancer Society’s tool, “The Defender,” presented by Sleep Number, offers an online resource to assess cancer risk and find nearby screening centres.
This nifty tool gives users reminders, access to 24/7 chat options, and even a personalised questionnaire to keep you on your toes when it comes to cancer prevention.
NFL players, always up for using their star power for good, are also getting in on the action. Through the American Cancer Society’s Player Ambassador program, 15 players with personal connections to cancer are stepping up to the plate to promote Crucial Catch.
“The NFL continues to be a collaborative partner in addressing gaps in cancer screening and encouraging fans to get screened,” said Dr. Karen E. Knudsen, CEO of the American Cancer Society.
“Their support allows us to work to improve cancer outcomes through tailored services that address barriers to under-resourced communities. Through Crucial Catch, we’re broadening education and access and ultimately, saving lives.”
These athletes aren’t just wearing the logo—they’re living it, raising funds, and amplifying the message to fans and beyond. It’s not every day you see this kind of teamwork off the field.
The NFL’s “We See You” campaign, particularly the “Everyday Strength” segment featuring New Orleans Saints tight end Foster Moreau, highlights the bravery it takes to face cancer head-on.
Moreau, who is in remission from Hodgkin Lymphoma, reminds everyone that some fights are won with grit, determination, and, of course, a solid support team by your side.
This season, you’ll see Crucial Catch come to life on the field with specially designed gear and branding from Weeks 4 through 6. Players, coaches, and officials will be sporting Nike and New Era apparel with the multi-colored Crucial Catch logo, symbolising awareness for all cancers.
And if you’re feeling inspired, you can snag some of that merchandise for yourself at NFLShop.com/CrucialCatch, where 100% of the proceeds go to the American Cancer Society.
That means your game-day gear isn’t just for show—it’s helping someone get the cancer care they need.
Even during the NFL’s biggest event, Super Bowl LVIII, Crucial Catch was front and center. The NFL and American Cancer Society hosted Crucial Catch LIVE, a candid conversation about prostate cancer, particularly among Black men who are at higher risk.
NFL players and medical experts came together to tackle the subject head-on, addressing health disparities and encouraging men to take action before it’s too late.
And it’s not just about game days. The NFL even kicked off the season with a sun safety initiative at training camps, handing out sunscreen and tips to reduce the risk of skin cancer. Crucial Catch has made it clear—every aspect of cancer prevention, from prostate exams to SPF, is worth taking seriously.
Even our friends to the north are getting involved. Crucial Catch Canada is ensuring that all proceeds from NFLShop.ca are donated to the Canadian Cancer Society.
These funds go toward providing compassionate care to those living with cancer and their caregivers, offering resources like reliable cancer information, rides to treatment, and even places to stay when travel is necessary for care.
At the heart of it all, the NFL and American Cancer Society Crucial Catch Initiative is about one thing: saving lives.
By promoting awareness, funding screenings, and tackling healthcare disparities, this initiative is changing the game.
So, whether you’re in the stands or watching from home, remember—your support isn’t just for your team. It’s for all of us in the fight against cancer.