NFL and American Cancer Society continue Crucial Catch initiative

The NFL today launches Crucial Catch, the league’s early cancer detection and risk reduction initiative. Now in its 16th season, Crucial Catch is a year-round initiative in collaboration with the American Cancer Society (ACS) to educate fans about the importance of taking their health into their own hands. The NFL family is using the initiative, which will be activated on the field and in team markets during Weeks 4-6 of the season, to expand its impact and provide cancer screenings and resources in underserved communities.

To fund ongoing cancer prevention resources, the NFL has donated more than $30 million to ACS since 2009 through sales of Crucial Catch-branded merchandise, NFL auction items and general fundraisers. Funds raised have benefited more than 1.8 million people and contribute to the organization’s mission. The American Cancer Society’s CHANGE Grants aim to increase access to screening and preventive treatment at community health centers in all NFL team markets. Aligned with the NFL’s equity-based social work, these grants have enabled more than 762,000 cancer screenings in communities with the greatest need.

Crucial Catch also addresses issues related to follow-up care for breast cancer patients through the Links to Care Community Grants in select NFL team markets. The grants support community health centers and NFL team-affiliated hospitals to provide adequate follow-up care for diagnosed breast cancer patients. As it completes its second year, Links to Care is raising funds to improve appointment availability, scheduling practices, patient navigation services and tracking systems for completed preventative care visits.

New this season is the American Cancer Society’s Prostate Cancer Screening IMPACT ECHO initiative, which works to eliminate health disparities by better empowering health care providers to share and implement prostate cancer screening best practices. Currently, 12 Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and Safety Net primary care facilities are using Crucial Catch funding to increase prostate cancer risk awareness and early detection in Black populations through real-time, case-based learning – collectively, these partners serve more than 40,000 eligible patients.

A map of all NFL-funded CHANGE Grants, links to Care Grants and IMPACT ECHO Initiative websites can be found here.

“Since launching Crucial Catch 16 years ago, we have seen increasing awareness among fans about their cancer risk and the importance of early screening,” said Anna Isaacson, NFL senior vice president of social responsibility. “As the NFL raises cancer awareness through player voices, on-field branding and community activation, we are proud to continue our partnership with the American Cancer Society and amplify Crucial Catch’s impact.”

In addition to raising funds to support local health centers, Crucial Catch equips fans with the resources they need to understand their cancer risk. Sleep Number, an official Crucial Catch partner of the NFL, once again presents The Defender. The online tool provides cancer resources, including a screening center search, appointment reminders and 24/7 chat through the American Cancer Society to answer user questions. Additionally, The Defender presented by Sleep Number includes a questionnaire analyzing users’ health practices and information to provide personalized suggestions to reduce fans’ cancer risk.

Across the league, NFL players are using their platforms to share their stories and promote causes that matter to them. Through the American Cancer Society’s Player Ambassador program, 15 NFL players who have a personal connection to cancer reinforce Crucial Catch’s mission and vision through appearances, fundraising events and social media awareness.

“The NFL continues to be a collaborative partner to close gaps in cancer prevention and encourage fans to get screened,” said Dr. Karen E. Knudsen, CEO of the American Cancer Society. “Your support allows us to work to improve cancer outcomes through tailored services that remove barriers for underserved communities. Through Crucial Catch, we expand education and access and ultimately save lives.”

To showcase Crucial Catch’s impact over the years and reinforce a message of unity, a marketing spot from the NFL’s “We See You” umbrella campaign, titled “Everyday Strength,” will debut during Crucial Catch’s activation dates. The PSA features New Orleans Saints tight end Foster Moreau, who is in remission due to a Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis. Moreau speaks of the strength it takes to take action to reduce cancer risk and how some battles are best fought with the right people on your side. You can watch the spot here.

Crucial Catch will come to visual life on the field and in the stadium during games activated in Weeks 4-6. Visual elements include Crucial Catch game balls, goal post wraps, field wall banners and field apparel for players, coaches and officials. Crucial Catch game-worn items will be auctioned at NFL Auction at NFL.com/Auction. The NFL does not profit from the sale of Crucial Catch merchandise. Charitable donations will be donated to the American Cancer Society to support their CHANGE grant program.

Crucial Catch Apparel released by the NFL will feature a multi-colored logo representing all types of cancer. During Crucial Catch, NFL teams will wear Crucial Catch apparel from Nike and New Era on the sidelines to highlight the NFL’s commitment to raising awareness and support of cancer detection efforts. Fans can support their favorite team and join the fight against cancer by purchasing NFL-licensed Crucial Catch apparel at NFLShop.com/CrucialCatch. The NFL donates 100% of its proceeds from Crucial Catch merchandise to the American Cancer Society to provide cancer screenings and resources to underserved communities.