NFL Crucial Catch – History and Apparel

NFL Crucial Catch

The NFL’s Crucial Catch campaign is a collaborative initiative between the National Football League (NFL) and the American Cancer Society (ACS). Launched in 2009, the NFL Crucial Catch program’s primary goal is to raise awareness about the importance of early detection and risk reduction for multiple types of cancer, not just breast cancer.

Initially, the focus of Crucial Catch was solely on breast cancer awareness, which led to the widespread use of pink apparel and equipment by NFL players during October, which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. However, in later years, the initiative expanded to address multiple types of cancer. Overall, this reflected a more comprehensive approach to cancer prevention and early detection.

Through Crucial Catch, the NFL and ACS provide funding, education, and support for crucial cancer screenings, especially in underserved communities. Additionally, they also encourage people to “catch” cancer early through regular screenings, understanding potential risks, and taking steps to reduce those risks.

More importantly, you can learn all about the Crucial Catch campaign from the American Cancer Society.

Crucial Catch Apparel

Crucial Catch NFL apparel typically features a vibrant and multi-colored design, representing various types of cancers. The colors and designs are symbolic of the different cancers the initiative has chosen to highlight. Items in this apparel range can include jerseys, hats, t-shirts, wristbands, gloves, and other gear worn by players, coaches, and team personnel.

All of the official Crucial Catch apparel can be found over at the official NFL Shop.

More importantly, the sale of “Crucial Catch” apparel often contributes to fundraising efforts. A portion of the proceeds from these sales goes towards supporting the campaign’s objectives, particularly aiding cancer screening, education, and prevention in underserved communities. For fans, purchasing and wearing this apparel is a way to show support for both their favorite team and a vital health cause.

Per NFL.com, “Since 2009, the first year of the NFL’s Crucial Catch campaign, the NFL’s work has raised more than $18.5 million for the American Cancer Society. The NFL does not profit from the sale or auction of cancer awareness-identified merchandise. Money raised through Crucial Catch supports the American Cancer Society’s Community Health Advocates implementing Nationwide Grants for Empowerment and Equity (CHANGE) program.”

“This program promotes health equity and addresses cancer early detection disparities through community-based cancer prevention programs that increase access to necessary cancer screenings. The program officially launched in 2012 within 17 communities across the country (each within 100 miles of an NFL city). The locations were selected based on data that showed that the population had lower breast cancer screening rates and higher mortality rates relative to other communities. With the expansion of the program, healthcare centers in all 32 NFL team markets now receive CHANGE grants to provide outreach, education, and cancer screenings and increase access to these potentially life-saving resources.”

Previously, the Crucial Catch games used to be specific, scheduled games, However, more recently the NFL has been expanding them to more of a month-long event in October. Some players and teams have shown off the pink apparel or other gear all throughout the season.

During specific Crucial Catch games, typically held in October, players, coaches, and referees don this apparel, showcasing a colorful array of gear on the field. This visual presence not only promotes the message of early detection but also serves to unify the league around a significant health initiative. As mentioned above, however, it’s been expanding to much more than just a handful of games. Overall, it’s just great to see this movement taking off even more.

Trending Now

Week 6 Start ‘Em Sit ‘Em

Weekly Fantasy Football Rankings

Free NFL Picks

2024 NFL Draft

Fantasy Football Team Names