NFL’s Crucial Catch Surpasses 1 Million Cancer Screenings

10/01/2026 - 11:32 AM

By: NFL Communications

image: Crucial Catch 2 — Detail view of a NFL football with the Crucial Catch logo Credit: Stew Milne/Associated Press

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.

image: Crucial Catch 4 — NFL Crucial Catch signage on display before an NFL football game. Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr./Associated Press

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.”

image: Crucial Catch — A goal post standard is wrapped with diagonal colored stripes to represent the NFL's campaign, "Crucial Catch." Credit: Gary McCullough/Associated Press

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.

Across the NFL

Throughout the season, Crucial Catch showcases the league’s year-round commitment to making a positive impact in the fight against cancer while addressing disparities in underserved communities. During Weeks 4-6, fans will see that commitment come to life through Crucial Catch game balls, goal post wraps, field-wall banners and branded on-field apparel and equipment for players, coaches and officials.

Fans can support their favorite team and join the fight against cancer by purchasing NFL-licensed Crucial Catch apparel through NFL Shop, including a new pink option available this season. Game-worn Crucial Catch merchandise will be auctioned on NFL Auction at NFL.com/Auction. The NFL does not profit from the sale of Crucial Catch merchandise. Charitable contributions are awarded by the NFL Foundation to the American Cancer Society.

Players and clubs will also bring Crucial Catch to life through local activations, personal storytelling and cause efforts that connect fans with teams and players in meaningful ways.

As part of this year's Crucial Catch initiative, the NFL will debut a dedicated campaign spot featuring Crucial Catch Ambassador Demario Davis that highlights the importance of early detection. The spot will run within the NFL's 2026 cause platform, "There Is No I in Change," a season-long campaign that highlights the collective efforts of players, clubs, partners and communities working together to drive positive change.

Through the American Cancer Society Player Ambassador program, NFL players with a personal connection to cancer — including Colston Loveland, Dak Prescott, Justin Jefferson and Jaxon Smith-Njigba — will amplify Crucial Catch’s mission through appearances, fundraising campaigns and social media awareness initiatives. The full list of 2026 Crucial Catch player ambassadors is available here.

image: Crucial Catch 3 — A Crucial Catch logo is shown on an official's hat. Credit: Jason Behnken/Associated Press

In the Community

This season, the NFL and American Cancer Society will launch Crucial Catch LIVE: The Tour, sponsored by Novartis, bringing cancer education and screening opportunities directly to fans and local communities. The tour launched in Chicago on September 30th and will continue throughout the season and beyond with additional activations in Charlotte, Super Bowl LXI and the 2027 NFL Draft.