The NFL’s Crucial Catch initiative is set to pass 1.1 million cancer screenings supported in underserved communities this season, extending a leaguewide effort focused on prevention, risk reduction and earlier diagnosis.
Created with the American Cancer Society, the program will take center stage in Weeks 4 through 6. Clubs, players, coaches and officials will wear Crucial Catch gear while stadiums display campaign branding during the designated games.
Quick facts
- Crucial Catch has generated more than $38 million since 2009.
- The initiative has supported over 1.1 million cancer screenings in communities with limited access to care.
- More than 2.7 million people have received cancer education, navigation help, screening reminders or related resources.
- Sixty-four NFL-backed CHANGE grant projects are planned across NFL markets in 2026.
- The league’s on-field Crucial Catch window will run during Weeks 4-6.
The funding supports the American Cancer Society’s CHANGE program, which works with community health centers and NFL-connected or local hospitals. The grants are designed to increase access to screenings for breast, cervical, colorectal, lung and prostate cancers.
Anna Isaacson, the NFL’s senior vice president of social responsibility, said the campaign shows the impact of the league and its partners working toward a common goal. She said early detection can change outcomes, while acknowledging that many people still encounter obstacles when seeking care.
American Cancer Society chief executive Shane Jacobson said the program expands work already being done with local health centers, health systems and trusted community partners. He said making screening support available close to home remains central to improving cancer outcomes.
Game presentations in the three-week campaign period will include Crucial Catch footballs, goalpost wraps, field-wall signage and branded apparel and equipment used by players, coaches and officials. Teams and players also will hold local events, share personal cancer stories and conduct other community outreach.
The NFL will introduce a campaign commercial featuring Crucial Catch ambassador Demario Davis. The spot will emphasize the value of early detection and will be part of the 2026 “There Is No I in Change” cause platform, which highlights collaborative community work throughout the season.
Colston Loveland, Dak Prescott, Justin Jefferson and Jaxon Smith-Njigba are among players with personal cancer connections participating in the American Cancer Society Player Ambassador program. They will support the initiative through appearances, fundraising and social-media awareness efforts.
Fans can use the league’s Crucial Catch digital resources to locate prevention and screening information in their areas. Available services include the American Cancer Society’s round-the-clock helpline, live-chat assistance, a Novartis-presented screening locator, the Defender risk quiz and personalized screening reminders.
The NFL and the American Cancer Society also have launched Crucial Catch LIVE: The Tour, sponsored by Novartis. The traveling effort began in Chicago on Sept. 30 and is scheduled for further stops in Charlotte, at Super Bowl LXI and during the 2027 NFL Draft, bringing education and screening opportunities directly to fans and communities.
Licensed Crucial Catch apparel, including a new pink option this season, will be available for supporters. Game-used items will be sold through NFL Auction, with the NFL Foundation directing charitable contributions to the American Cancer Society; the league does not retain profit from Crucial Catch merchandise sales.
