NFL’s Crucial Catch Surpasses 1 Million Cancer Screenings
The NFL’s annual cancer awareness initiative has supported more than 1.1 million screenings in under-resourced communities while expanding access to early detection resources.
The NFL’s Crucial Catch initiative has surpassed a major milestone, supporting more than 1.1 million cancer screenings in under-resourced communities since the program began working to improve cancer awareness, early detection and access to care.
The league’s partnership with the American Cancer Society will return to NFL stadiums during Weeks 4-6 of the 2026 season as the initiative continues its focus on screening resources and communities facing barriers to care.
Since 2009, Crucial Catch has generated more than $38 million through branded merchandise, NFL Auction items and other fundraising efforts supporting the American Cancer Society. Those efforts have also helped connect more than 2.7 million people with cancer education, patient navigation, screening reminders and other resources.
Expanding Screening Access
A major part of the initiative is the American Cancer Society’s Community Health Advocates implementing Nationwide Grants for Empowerment and Equity (CHANGE) program.
The program helps community health centers and NFL-affiliated or in-market hospitals expand access to screening for breast, cervical, colorectal, lung and prostate cancers in under-resourced areas.
For 2026, 64 NFL-funded CHANGE grant projects will support community health centers and health systems across NFL markets.
The league says the projects are designed to expand screening access in communities with the greatest need.
Fans can also access prevention and screening resources through the NFL’s Crucial Catch platform, which includes the American Cancer Society’s 24/7 cancer helpline, live chat support, a cancer screening locator, personalized screening reminders and an interactive Defender quiz.
Crucial Catch Returns to NFL Stadiums
The leaguewide activation will be visible throughout Weeks 4-6, with Crucial Catch game balls, goal post wraps, field-wall banners and branded apparel and equipment worn by players, coaches and officials.
Fans can support the initiative through NFL-licensed Crucial Catch merchandise, including a new pink option this season. Game-worn Crucial Catch items will also be auctioned through NFL Auction.
According to the NFL, it does not profit from Crucial Catch merchandise sales. Charitable contributions are awarded by the NFL Foundation to the American Cancer Society.
Teams and players will also participate through local activations, personal stories and community-focused events throughout the season.
Players Join the Cause
The NFL will debut a new Crucial Catch campaign spot featuring Crucial Catch Ambassador Demario Davis, highlighting the importance of early detection.
The campaign will run as part of the NFL’s 2026 cause platform, “There Is No I in Change,” which focuses on collective efforts involving players, clubs, partners and communities.
Through the American Cancer Society Player Ambassador program, NFL players with personal connections to cancer will also help promote the initiative through appearances, fundraising efforts and social media.
The 2026 player ambassadors include Colston Loveland, Dak Prescott, Justin Jefferson and Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
Crucial Catch LIVE Hits the Road
The NFL and American Cancer Society are also launching Crucial Catch LIVE: The Tour, sponsored by Novartis, to bring cancer education and screening opportunities directly into communities.
The tour launched in Chicago on Sept. 30 and is scheduled to continue throughout the season and beyond, with additional activations planned in Charlotte, Super Bowl LXI and the 2027 NFL Draft.
As Crucial Catch enters another NFL season, the initiative is continuing its focus on connecting communities with cancer education, screening resources and support designed to improve access to early detection.
Source: NFL Communications
