More than half of people who suffer a cardiac arrest outside a hospital do not receive immediate CPR, a stark statistic that underscores a critical public health challenge. In response, the American Heart Association and the National Football League have announced the 2026 Nation of Lifesavers™ Player Ambassador Class, a coalition of 33 current NFL players dedicated to educating fans about Hands-Only CPR and preparing them to act in emergencies.
The ambassadors will leverage public service announcements, social media, and community events to spread awareness. A key moment occurred ahead of World Restart a Heart Day on Oct. 16, when fans at the Monday Night Football matchup between the Buffalo Bills and Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium participated in free Hands-Only CPR training during the pregame fan fest. Among the ambassadors are Damar Hamlin, Buffalo Bills safety and national ambassador for Nation of Lifesavers, and Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Jordan Whittington, both of whom took the field to highlight CPR readiness.
“When someone has a sudden cardiac arrest, immediate CPR can mean the difference between life and death. NFL players have a powerful opportunity to help fans move from awareness to action by learning CPR and being prepared to use it,” said Nancy Brown, chief executive officer of the American Heart Association. “Together with the NFL, we are building a nation of lifesavers.”
This is the third annual ambassador class, which began following the sudden cardiac arrest of Buffalo Bills’ player Damar Hamlin during Monday Night Football in January 2023. The initiative is part of the Association’s broader goal to double survival rates of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest by 2030. The American Heart Association is also a founding member of the Smart Heart Sports Coalition, established by the NFL in 2023, which advocates for policies to prevent fatal cardiac arrest outcomes among high school students. According to the Association, more than 23,000 children under 18 experience cardiac arrest outside a hospital annually, with about 40% occurring among student-athletes.
With nearly 3 out of 4 cardiac arrests occurring in homes, knowing CPR is critically important. If a teen or adult collapses, witnesses should call 9-1-1 and begin chest compressions at 100-120 beats per minute and a depth of about two inches. Hands-Only CPR is chest compression-only CPR. Resources such as Bystander CPR and a Bystander CPR Infographic are available to help the public learn these life-saving skills. Additional materials, including Hands-Only CPR Resources and a guide on Hands-Only CPR vs CPR with Breaths, can further aid understanding. To take a quick lesson, visit www.heart.org/HandsOnlyCPR.
This initiative not only raises awareness but also empowers communities to act, potentially saving countless lives. For more information, visit www.heart.org/nation.
