The NFL will mark a major Crucial Catch milestone this season, surpassing more than 1.1 million cancer screenings supported in under-resourced communities through its cancer awareness, early detection and risk reduction initiative. Developed in partnership with the American Cancer Society, Crucial Catch will return to the field during Weeks 4-6 as the NFL continues helping expand access to screening resources and support communities facing barriers to care.
Since 2009, the NFL has raised more than $38 million through Crucial Catch-branded merchandise, NFL Auction items and other fundraising efforts to support the American Cancer Society’s work to improve cancer screening in under-resourced communities. Those efforts have helped reach more than 2.7 million people with cancer education, patient navigation, screening reminders and resources.
Fans can take action for their health by visiting NFL.com/CrucialCatch to find cancer prevention and screening resources near them, including the American Cancer Society’s 24/7 cancer helpline, live chat support and a cancer screening locator presented by Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, the NFL’s official corporate pharmaceutical partner. The site also features the Defender quiz and personalized screening reminders to help fans better understand their risk and take steps to support early detection.
“Crucial Catch demonstrates what is possible when the NFL, the American Cancer Society, our clubs, players, partners and fans come together around a shared commitment to saving lives,” said Anna Isaacson, NFL senior vice president of social responsibility. “For more than 15 seasons, this initiative has helped bring vital cancer education and screening resources to communities across the country. We know early detection can make a meaningful difference, but too many people still face barriers to care. Through Crucial Catch, we are continuing to use the power of football to help close those gaps and make progress toward reducing health disparities.”
“The American Cancer Society is working in communities across the country, side by side with local health centers, health systems and partners people know and trust,” said Shane Jacobson, chief executive officer of the American Cancer Society. “Through Crucial Catch, the NFL is helping expand that work so more people can access trusted screening support close to home. That local collaboration is what makes this initiative real, and it is how we continue improving cancer outcomes for more people.”
Expanding Access
Crucial Catch supports the American Cancer Society’s Community Health Advocates implementing Nationwide Grants for Empowerment and Equity (CHANGE) program, which helps community health centers and NFL-affiliated or in-market hospitals in under-resourced areas improve access to breast, cervical, colorectal, lung and prostate cancer screening.
In 2026, 64 NFL-funded CHANGE grant projects will support community health centers and health systems across NFL markets, helping expand access to breast, cervical, colorectal, lung and prostate cancer screening in communities with the greatest need. The complete list of 2026 CHANGE grant recipients and market map is available here.
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