DEA and NFL Alumni Health Partner for Fentanyl Awareness During Super Bowl

The third annual collaboration aims to educate the public about the dangers of counterfeit pills containing deadly fentanyl.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 8:55pm by Ben Kaplan

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and NFL Alumni Health are again partnering to raise awareness about the dangers of fentanyl during Super Bowl events. The collaboration, now in its third year, supports the DEA's 'Fentanyl Free America' effort and focuses on reducing demand for fentanyl and increasing public education about the risks associated with counterfeit pills.

Why it matters

Fentanyl, a highly potent synthetic opioid, is frequently pressed into fake pills made to resemble prescription medications. The drug is also commonly mixed into other substances like cocaine and heroin, often without users' knowledge. Officials warn that as little as two milligrams of fentanyl can be lethal, making it the leading cause of death for Americans ages 18 to 44.

The details

The DEA noted a decline in fentanyl-related poisoning deaths since the height of the crisis, from almost 73,000 in 2023 to nearly 50,000 in 2024. However, synthetic opioids remain the deadliest drug threat facing the nation. The partnership with NFL Alumni Health aims to encourage conversations among parents, coaches, and teammates that could help prevent overdoses and save lives.

  • The DEA and NFL Alumni Health have partnered for a third consecutive year to raise fentanyl awareness during Super Bowl events.
  • In 2025, DEA agents seized more than 47 million fentanyl pills and nearly 10,000 pounds of fentanyl powder, an amount the agency said equates to hundreds of millions of potentially deadly doses removed from circulation.

The players

Terrance Cole

DEA Administrator, who said the partnership with NFL Alumni Health is intended to encourage conversations among parents, coaches, and teammates that could help prevent overdoses and save lives.

NFL Alumni Health

An organization of former professional football players that is using its visibility to reach families and communities with fentanyl prevention messages.

Rod Woodson

Hall of Famer and former NFL player participating in media appearances, school visits, and outreach events around the Super Bowl host city to promote fentanyl awareness.

Garrison Hearst

Former NFL player participating in media appearances, school visits, and outreach events around the Super Bowl host city to promote fentanyl awareness.

Kyle Richardson

Former NFL player participating in media appearances, school visits, and outreach events around the Super Bowl host city to promote fentanyl awareness.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This is the deadliest drug crisis our nation has ever faced.”

— Terrance Cole, DEA Administrator (DEA Press Release)

What’s next

Officials are encouraging the public to learn more about fentanyl risks, talk openly with youth about counterfeit pills, and access educational resources available through the DEA's One Pill Can Kill campaign.

The takeaway

The partnership between the DEA and NFL Alumni Health highlights the ongoing efforts to combat the fentanyl crisis, which continues to be the leading cause of death for young Americans. By leveraging the platform of the Super Bowl and the influence of former NFL players, the campaign aims to raise awareness and prevent overdoses in communities across the country.