Sports have a universal appeal that transcends boundaries. Each weekend, the National Football League (NFL) ignites millions of passionate fans from across the country, demonstrating the deep connection and power of community. At Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, we share that same dedication in how we reimagine medicine that reached nearly 300 million patients worldwide in 2024 alone.

Now, through a first-of-its-kind health partnership, Novartis and the NFL are harnessing the spirit of game day to advance better health decisions and early detection. Together, we aim to empower football fans everywhere to make proactive decisions about their health, understand screening guidelines, and build a playbook for a healthier future.

Novartis and the NFL Get Proactive About Health VIDEO

My Cause My Cleats: A Commitment to Proactive Health On & Off the Field

My cause my cleats

The most important play made this season won't be on the field. Novartis is proud to partner with the NFL, select teams, athletes and coaches during My Cause My Cleats. Through this initiative, Novartis will spotlight important prostate cancer, breast cancer, and cardiovascular causes through players' custom-designed cleats.

My Cause My Cleats amplifies the diverse, powerful voices of NFL players and coaches as they share the impact that cancer and other diseases can have on lives. Their relatable stories inspire fans to have critical conversations about their health. With the help of our NFL partner teams and athletes, Novartis is highlighting the importance of taking a proactive approach to health decisions, empowering fans and players alike to talk to their doctor about routine screenings and advocate for themselves and loved ones.

Learn more about My Cause My Cleats and the player chosen causes:

NFL My Cause My Cleats | NFL.com | Official Site of the National Football League 

 

Crucial Catch: An Important Initiative to Support Early Detection

This football season, big plays won’t just be made on the field as Novartis, an official partner of the NFL, joins as a sponsor of Crucial Catch in support of the American Cancer Society. The partnership will expand the shared commitment to empower proactive health decisions and help more people detect cancer early by bringing educational resources and cancer screenings directly to communities throughout the United States.  

Early detection can make a difference: When diagnosed early, the five-year survival rate for many cancers is over 90%.1 Which means, knowing your cancer risk and getting screened are crucial to catching cancer when it may be easier to treat.1 

Learn more about Crucial Catch and find a screening location near you:

Learn more

NFL Crucial catch intercept cancer

A Proactive Playbook

While millions cheer on their favorite teams on the field, too many sideline their own well-being—skipping routine screenings or delaying crucial conversations with health care professionals about risks for certain conditions.

A couple embracing and holding hands

Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in men in the United States1. Too often men stay silent when dealing with a prostate cancer diagnosis. You can help make a difference. Speak up for yourself or your loved ones.

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Your Attention Please

Give breasts the attention they deserve. Early detection for breast cancer changes the game, so let’s kick off a new era of breast health. Take the next step to schedule your routine screening or discover your risk for breast cancer.

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Victor Bulto

With a nationwide fan base and commitment to health advocacy, the NFL is a powerful partner for igniting critical health conversations at an unmatched scale. Together, we’re working to level the playing field against serious health conditions.

 

Victor Bultó, President US, Novartis

Novartis & the NFL are proud to support:

Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Week

Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Week

Bringing together a shared enthusiasm to honor and celebrate excellence through dedication to health.
NFL Player Health & Safety

Player Health + Safety Summit

Uniting science and sports to support advancing medical insight and innovation in the locker room and on-the-field.
NFL Crucial Catch

Crucial Catch

An initiative that promotes cancer awareness, early detection and risk reduction to address the unequal burden of cancer in under-resourced communities, alongside the American Cancer Society.
My cause my cleats

My Cause My Cleats

Amplifying NFL players’ passions beyond the game, as they wear their hearts on their feet through My Cause My Cleats.

References  

  1. American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts & Figures 2025. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/content/dam/cancer-org/research/cancer-facts-and-statistics/annual-cancer-facts-and-figures/2025/2025-cancer-facts-and-figures-acs.pdf. Accessed February 27, 2025