By Amanda Pirkowski
Medill Reports

NEW ORLEANS – During Super Bowl LIX week, footballs soared and manikins took the brunt of chest compressions as children learned how to stay heart-healthy and save lives. NFL PLAY 60 partnered with the American Heart Association to teach both football skills and CPR to more than 1,000 kids.

VIDEO TRANSCRIPT:

Amanda Pirkowski, Medill Reports: Here at NFL PLAY 60, there’s a special mission – to help kids stay fit but also learn life-saving CPR skills.

Over 1,000 kids showed up ready to work on drop back and passing accuracy, footwork, agility drills and tackling skills. 

Linzy Cotaya, American Heart Association national director: “In 2006, PLAY 60 actually started right here in New Orleans. It was started in a post-Katrina New Orleans where a playground was rebuilt to help kids find ways to get active in the community.” 

Pirkowski: Teaming up with the American Heart Association, the NFL PLAY 60 initiative encourages kids to participate in at least 60 minutes of physical play each day. While maintaining their heart health through exercise, attendees also learned how to help others through CPR techniques.

Cotaya: “CPR is available for anyone to participate in regardless of your age. Even very young kids can call 911. They can open a locked door for EMS. And then as a 9-year-old, you’re strong enough to do compression. … So as long as you know the right steps and the right rate, you can save a life.” 

Pirkowski: The NFL PLAY 60 program offers countless benefits to kids and their communities. 

Brandon Mosley, NFL PLAY 60 coach: “I love coming back here because I know all of these kids here, they got a dream, whether it’s football or education. Sports can be used to help build teamwork that can be used on and off the field. … They’ll do something to be a positive, impactful person in the community.” 

Pirkowski: Complimenting the on-field session, this year’s Super Bowl teams hosted an online NFL PLAY 60 event– Eagles and Chiefs, a fifteen-minute workout. In New Orleans, Amanda Pirkowski, Medill Reports.

Amanda Pirkowski is a graduate student at Medill, specializing in sports media. You can follow her on Twitter/X at @amandapirkowski.