Developed through the American Heart Association’s prestigious Paul “Bear” Bryant Awards program, the Players of Impact campaign challenges athletes across the country to lead meaningful community engagement efforts throughout the college football season while raising awareness and funds to fight heart disease and stroke.
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, and sudden cardiac arrest continues to be a significant threat both on and off the playing field. Through Players of Impact, participating athletes take action by championing CPR education, engaging local schools and communities, advocating for heart health and supporting critical fundraising efforts that advance the American Heart Association’s mission.
“College football players have a unique ability to inspire action and unite communities,” said Steven Embree, Executive Director of the American Heart Association Paul “Bear” Bryant Awards. “The Players of Impact initiative gives these student-athletes an opportunity to create lasting change beyond the game while helping more people learn lifesaving CPR skills, improving heart health awareness and supporting groundbreaking research.”
Throughout the season, participants will complete a series of activities that may include:
- Promoting CPR awareness and education
- Supporting World Restart a Heart Day initiatives
- Participating in American Heart Association Kids Heart Challenge programs
- Recognizing and supporting children and families affected by congenital heart defects
- Leading campus and community heart-health awareness events
- Raising funds to support the American Heart Association’s mission
The campaign will spotlight the leadership, service and impact of participating athletes throughout the season. Student-athletes demonstrating exceptional results in community engagement, awareness-building and fundraising will be recognized as national leaders and invited to participate in the 2027 Bear Bryant Awards celebration in Houston.
Participants also gain access to leadership development opportunities, professional networking, mission-focused visibility and educational resources designed to prepare them for success both during and aftehttps://fundraise.givesmart.com/vf/IMPACTPLAYERS/TerryBusseyr their playing careers.
The inaugural participants in the Players of Impact campaign are:
- Joshua Bates, SMU
- Terry Bussey, Texas A&M
- Gideon Lampron, Colorado
- Max Reese, North Texas
- Connor Robertson, Texas
- Taylor Wein, Oklahoma
“The impact these athletes can make extends far beyond wins and losses,” said Embree. “Together, they are helping create healthier communities, equipping more people with lifesaving skills and honoring the legacy of leadership that defines the Bryant Awards.”
For more information about the Bear Bryant Awards Players of Impact campaign, visit BryantAwards.org.
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, 𝕏 or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
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