The NFL is one of the most powerful and influential brands in the world. Whether it is pop culture, a new trend, or a good cause — if the NFL is involved, you can be sure that it will be seen by millions of people. The league recognizes that they have that power, and with that power comes much responsibility.
American football has reached global heights, and the sport influences millions daily, including the merchandising and apparel with NFL stars promoting brands. People love to share the same ideologies as professional athletes, and with that power, the NFL has a real chance to do something good — and that is what they are doing with the “Crucial Catch” campaign.
Why Is the NFL Wearing Rainbow Colors and Plaid Hats?
The NFL, throughout its history, has chosen to use its platform for good and has been a real pioneer in their efforts to spearhead important causes. The Crucial Catch campaign is another one of the many good things the league stays committed to doing. Since 2009, the NFL and the American Cancer Society have come to battle cancer together.
They have raised more than $30 million to save lives across the country. Tie-dye designs were introduced to promote the Crucial Catch Program initiated by the ACS as the program helps with the detection and early treatment of cancer, with the proceeds going to ACS to help fight cancer and fund research further.
Sharing the moments that matter 🖌️#CrucialCatch | #BirdGang pic.twitter.com/PZ2mszzkfR
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) September 26, 2024
According to the NFL, new this season, the American Cancer Society Prostate Cancer Screening IMPACT ECHO initiative is working to address health disparities by better equipping healthcare providers to share and use prostate cancer screening best practices. In addition to these new initiatives, this year, the NFL will be wearing new rainbow-colored plaid hats.
Currently, 12 Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and Safety-Net primary care facilities are using Crucial Catch funding to increase awareness of prostate cancer risk and early detection in Black populations through real-time, case-based learning – collectively, these partners serve more than 40,000 eligible patients.
New Orleans Saints tight end Foster Moreau has become a spokesperson for the NFL’s “Crucial Catch” campaign after receiving a life-saving regular physical during a visit with the team when he was a free agent.
During Moreau’s physical, it was discovered that he had Stage 2 Hodgkin lymphoma by Saints team doctor John Amoss. He instantly began receiving treatment and after several weeks, Moreau announced his cancer was in full remission.
.@Saints TE @fhmoreau discovered his deep inner strength battling Hodgkin’s lymphoma. During #CrucialCatch, he advocates for getting screened and learning to recognize symptoms early to intercept cancer. 💜 pic.twitter.com/9orCBUX6yi
— NFL (@NFL) October 6, 2023
NFL Talks About The Crucial Catch Campaign
When the NFL announced the introduction of the Crucial Catch campaign, they released a short statement surrounding the initiative.
“All clubs support the league’s mission of early detection and risk reduction, and each year they elect to support one or multiple cancers. Throughout October, NFL Crucial Catch games raise awareness for cancer prevention with players, coaches, fans, and referees in apparel supporting multiple types of cancer, as well as additional on-field and in-stadium branding. In the United States, the NFL has raised over 22 million dollars for the American Cancer Society to provide screenings in underserved communities.”
The @NFL has officially launched it's 16th season of Crucial Catch, promoting early cancer detection in partnership with the American Cancer Society. From Weeks 4-6, teams will raise awareness and provide resources in underserved communities. Over $30M has been raised since 2009!… pic.twitter.com/921Oe4Ron3
— Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) September 27, 2024
Ahead of the 2024 campaign, they released another statement touching on the importance of the cause.
“Since the launch of Crucial Catch 16 years ago, we’ve seen an increase in awareness of fans understanding their cancer risk and the importance of getting screened early,” said Anna Isaacson, NFL senior vice president of social responsibility.
“As the NFL amplifies cancer awareness through the voices of players, on-field branding and community activations, we are proud to continue our partnership with the American Cancer Society and deepen the impact being made through Crucial Catch.”