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NFLA Offers Path to Better Long-Term Health

“Huddle Up: Let’s Talk Obesity” Aims to Inspire Men to Open Up About Weight and Seek Help
Key Takeaways
  • Primarily targeting men, the “Huddle Up: Let’s Talk Obesity” campaign aims to help build awareness and further educate fans and ex-players about obesity. Four out of 10 Americans live with obesity, and more than half of NFL Alumni live with the disease, yet only a small fraction recognize it.
  • Triggering the need for the NFLA to act was a recent health survey with 1,236 participating members.
  • The “Huddle Up: Let’s Talk Obesity” campaign launch includes an awareness video featuring many NFL legends including Franco Harris, Steve Young, Ottis Anderson, Rod Woodson, Jon Runyan, Rocky Bleier and Eric Moore among others. CLICK VIDEO GALLERY IMAGE BELOW TO VIEW VIDEO!

MOUNT LAUREL, New Jersey (October 12, 2020) - The National Football League Alumni Association (NFLA) and its 10,000 members are honored to announce, “Huddle Up: Let’s Talk Obesity.” Primarily targeting men, the campaign aims to help build awareness and further educate fans and ex-players about obesity as a disease, a fact that many may not even be aware of. This will also help people living with obesity to understand that there is a path to better long-term health, with many options for assistance. Obesity, if untreated, can lead to serious health-related complications including heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, sleep apnea and certain cancers.


Triggering the need for the NFLA to act was a recent health survey with 1,236 participating members. What was discovered opened a lot of eyes, and minds:

  • 7 of 10 NFL Alums have tried to lose weight in the past year
  • 96% Agree: Obesity can cause a variety of other health problems
  • 80% Agree: Obesity may increase the risk of serious complications due to Covid-19
  • 94% Agree: It’s important to confront and address health issues, not hide from them

The “Huddle Up: Let’s Talk Obesity” campaign launch includes an awareness video featuring many NFL legends including Franco Harris, Steve Young, Ottis Anderson, Rod Woodson, Jon Runyan, Rocky Bleier and Eric Moore among others. CLICK HERE to view the full video. Also available to the media community are public service announcements for broadcast usage along with short-clip videos for social media platforms. For current obesity-related information, articles and personal shared stories, there is a dedicated campaign website: www.HuddleUpObesity.com. The NFLA is proud to partner with healthcare company Novo Nordisk Inc. on this initiative.

Bart Oates, NFLA President and 3-time Super Bowl Champion stated, “Obesity is a real health issue affecting the lives of more than 40 percent of our population, and that includes many former NFL players. Once people have a better understanding about the link between excess weight and health, they’ll also realize that it can be addressed and treated.” Mr. Oates continued, “When there’s a problem within a team, players get together to talk about it and find solutions. That’s why Huddle Up: Let’s Talk Obesity was created. We hope to encourage real talk about obesity and to help people understand that there are options available to help support their weight loss journey.”  


“Huddle Up: Let’s Talk Obesity” provides educational information, resources and even ways to find health care providers who specialize in obesity solutions and planning. Surprisingly, only about 10 percent of people living with obesity in the U.S. seek advice from a healthcare provider. The NFLA hopes to change that. There are options for treating obesity beyond just healthy eating and exercise. Even ex-athletes live with obesity and can’t keep the weight off. It’s time we break down the stigma around obesity so people can get the help they need.

“Most people living with obesity have tried many times to lose weight, but science shows that after losing it, your body fights to put the weight back on,” said Todd Hobbs, M.D., Chief Medical Officer for Novo Nordisk in North America. “Too few men seek medical help for obesity, and as a former practicing physician I know how hard it is to have those conversations. But we’ve learned so much about this chronic disease and how genetics, environment and behavior are all contributors - and help is out there. We’re pleased to team up with the NFLA and hope that learning the facts will inspire men to speak openly to a healthcare provider and partner on a long-term plan that may include lifestyle changes, prescription medication and ongoing support.”

About NFL Alumni Association:

NFL Alumni was founded in 1967 and is the oldest and most recognizable national organization of retired professional athletes. NFL Alumni consists of former NFL players, coaches, executives, spouses, cheerleaders, and associate members. Part of NFL Alumni’s dual mission is “Caring for Kids”. Player alumni give back in their local communities by raising funds for youth-related charities through their 35 regional chapters. It is a tradition that has existed for more than 50 years. Alumni support typically raises more than $1.5 million dollars for worthwhile causes. The other half of NFLA’s mission, “Caring for our Own” is to serve, assist and inform its members and their families. Alumni members are offered a diverse package of wellness, business, career, and legal services to help members and their families be healthy, productive, and connected to one another. To learn more please visit: https://www.nflalumni.org/


Key Takeaways
  • Primarily targeting men, the “Huddle Up: Let’s Talk Obesity” campaign aims to help build awareness and further educate fans and ex-players about obesity. Four out of 10 Americans live with obesity, and more than half of NFL Alumni live with the disease, yet only a small fraction recognize it.
  • Triggering the need for the NFLA to act was a recent health survey with 1,236 participating members.
  • The “Huddle Up: Let’s Talk Obesity” campaign launch includes an awareness video featuring many NFL legends including Franco Harris, Steve Young, Ottis Anderson, Rod Woodson, Jon Runyan, Rocky Bleier and Eric Moore among others. CLICK VIDEO GALLERY IMAGE BELOW TO VIEW VIDEO!
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Primarily targeting men, the campaign aims to help build awareness and further educate fans and ex-players about obesity as a disease, a fact that many may not even be aware of. This will also help people living with obesity to understand that there is a path to better long-term health, with many options for assistance. — National Football League Alumni Association
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Quotes
When there’s a problem within a team, players get together to talk about it and find solutions. That’s why Huddle Up: Let’s Talk Obesity was create...
Bart OatesPresident, NFL Alumni
We’re pleased to team up with the NFLA and hope that learning the facts will inspire men to speak openly to a healthcare provider and partner on a ...
Todd Hobbs, M.D.Chief Medical Officer for Novo Nordisk in North America
Related Bios
Bart Oates
President, NFL Alumni
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Todd Hobbs, M.D.
Chief Medical Officer for Novo Nordisk in North America
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Contacts
Dominic Gaspari
Dominic.Gaspari@nflalumni.org
973-241-5144
NFL Alumni Director of Membership Engagement