NFL Draft to Host Guinness World Record Attempt for Most People Trained in CPR

The American Heart Association and NFL team up to train 4,000 people in Hands-Only CPR in one hour during the NFL Draft

Apr. 9, 2026 at 2:40am

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A minimalist illustration in the style of Keith Haring, depicting the silhouette of a person performing chest compressions defined by glowing neon lines against a dark background, conceptually representing the urgency and importance of bystander CPR.The NFL Draft's CPR training event aims to empower fans and communities with a simple, lifesaving skill that can make a critical difference in an emergency.Today in Pittsburgh

The American Heart Association and the National Football League (NFL), along with Damar Hamlin's Chasing M's foundation and Doctor Mike, will attempt to set the Guinness World Records® title for Most people to complete CPR training in one hour. The record attempt will take place on April 24 during day two of the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh, with the goal of training 4,000 people in Hands-Only CPR in just one hour.

Why it matters

This event aims to empower fans, families, and communities with the lifesaving skill of CPR, as more than half of people who experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital do not receive immediate CPR, which can double or even triple a person's chance of survival. The collaboration between the American Heart Association and the NFL reflects their shared commitment to build healthier, safer communities.

The details

Participants will join the Nation of Lifesavers™, a global movement launched by the American Heart Association in 2023 following the sudden cardiac arrest of NFL player Damar Hamlin during Monday Night Football™. Hamlin has used his experience to show the lifesaving difference bystander CPR can make and will serve as the National Ambassador for Nation of Lifesavers. The event is also supported by Doctor Mike, a longtime volunteer medical expert with the Association and passionate Hands-Only CPR advocate.

  • The record attempt will take place on Friday, April 24, from 1:00–2:00 p.m. ET at Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh, Pa., during day two of the NFL Draft.
  • The American Heart Association and NFL have worked together since 2023 to increase awareness of bystander CPR and expand access to CPR and AED education nationwide.

The players

American Heart Association

A non-profit organization dedicated to improving cardiovascular health and reducing deaths from heart disease and stroke.

National Football League (NFL)

The professional American football league, which is partnering with the American Heart Association on this initiative.

Damar Hamlin

Buffalo Bills Safety and National Ambassador for the Nation of Lifesavers, who experienced a sudden cardiac arrest during a Monday Night Football game and has used his experience to promote the importance of bystander CPR.

Doctor Mike

A social media-famous doctor who is a longtime volunteer medical expert with the American Heart Association and a passionate advocate for Hands-Only CPR.

Chasing M's Foundation

A foundation launched by Damar Hamlin to support youth, education, and first responders.

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What they’re saying

“Every second matters when someone experiences cardiac arrest and knowing how to perform CPR can be the difference between life and death. By bringing thousands of people together at the NFL Draft, we're teaming up with the league, Damar Hamlin and Doctor Mike to make history and equip individuals with the confidence and skills to act when it matters most. This moment reflects our shared commitment to build healthier, safer communities everywhere.”

— Nancy Brown, Chief Executive Officer, American Heart Association

“As my experience with cardiac arrest has shown, CPR saves lives. Our world record attempt during the NFL Draft Experience in my hometown of Pittsburgh is a full-circle moment for me, and I'm proud to see the NFL, the American Heart Association, and our community come together to build a life-saving legacy. It's about bringing people together around a powerful message: be ready, because you never know when it could be your time to save a life. I also hope it encourages young people to stay active and reminds families to prioritize health, wellness, and life-saving skills like CPR.”

— Damar Hamlin, Buffalo Bills Safety and National Ambassador for the Nation of Lifesavers

“It's always been a dream of mine to set a world record for CPR training. This one-hour record emphasizes how quick and simple it can be for laypeople to learn a life-saving skill, so they can be the help before someone like me arrives in an emergency. With the help of these powerful partners, we're well on our way to building a Nation of Lifesavers.”

— Doctor Mike, Longtime Volunteer Medical Expert, American Heart Association

What’s next

The American Heart Association and NFL will continue their year-round collaboration to expand CPR training and AED access in local communities, including through grants to each NFL team and advocacy efforts to implement cardiac emergency response plans in public schools.

The takeaway

This event demonstrates the power of partnerships to raise awareness and equip communities with lifesaving skills like CPR. By training thousands of people in a single hour, the American Heart Association, NFL, and their partners are taking a significant step towards building a Nation of Lifesavers and improving cardiac arrest survival rates.