Crucial Catch is an initiative launched by the NFL and the American Cancer Society (ACS) in 2009 to fight cancer and save lives. The mission of Crucial Catch is to promote prevention and early detection of cancer, which can impact anyone at any age, and to increase access to lifesaving cancer screenings. The initiative is activated during games and in the community starting in October through Week 6 of the NFL season. Each year, every NFL team raises awareness during their Crucial Catch game, which features on-field and in-stadium Crucial Catch elements. Crucial Catch games also present a special opportunity to honor cancer survivors and those currently battling cancer.
The NFL, its clubs, players, the NFL Players Association, and the American Cancer Society are committed to providing individuals with the tools they need to help them better understand early detection and ways to reduce their cancer risk. Crucial Catch empowers fans to take their health into their own hands by getting screened for cancer, educating themselves on the importance of early detection, and discovering ways to reduce their cancer risk.
Since its establishment in 2009, the NFLs Crucial Catch campaign has raised over $27 million for the American Cancer Society. Money raised supports the American Cancer Societys Community Health Advocates implementing Nationwide Grants for Empowerment and Equity (CHANGE) program, which promotes health equity and addresses early detection disparities through community-based prevention programs.
In addition to the NFLs support, youth and amateur sports teams from across the country also do their part to raise awareness and funds to help save lives from cancer. All 32 NFL teams support the Crucial Catch initiative, and players may wear cleats and shoelaces in any color representing the type of cancer awareness they support or have been impacted by during their teams Crucial Catch game.
This year, through funding provided by the NFL as part of the Crucial Catch initiative, fans and members of the NFL family will be able to easily find their nearest cancer-screening center and additional screening resources at NFL.com/CrucialCatch or by texting "CATCH" to 635635.
