Legacy, in collaboration with Edwards Life Sciences and NFL Alumni Health, was thrilled to have led the implementation of the groundbreaking HUDDLE Study!
Watch the inspiring highlight reel below which captures the spirit and essence of this innovative community research project.
The goal of the Huddle Study? To create awareness about heart health and combat heart disease in communities where it often goes undiagnosed and untreated.
Watch the HUDDLE Study highlight reel below as we take another step forward toward more inclusive and equitable heart health solutions
Over 500 NFL Alumni, coaches, and their families across the country stepped up to participate in heart health screening events. They underwent non-invasive “heart screenings” that could detect certain heart conditions, all while receiving essential information on heart function and living a heart-healthy life.
While the data is currently being reviewed for publication, the early results were INCREDIBLE! With 100% participation, every single individual completed the study, showing their commitment to taking care of their community and each other.
But that’s not all! Our study had a real impact: some of the NFL brethren received immediate treatment for serious conditions they were unaware of before the study. Their solidarity, regardless of team, proved they are one team united in the fight for better heart health!
Why is this Important?
While there is still insufficient data regarding prevalence of heart disease in African Americans, they are 30% more likely to die from heart disease than non-Hispanic whites, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Yet only 3% of all patients who benefit from a minimally invasive, life-saving procedure called TAVR are African American. The TAVR (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement) requires only a small cut in the skin preventing the need for open-heart surgery.
In addition to conducting the study, the objectives of the project were to:
“I grew up as an NFL fan, especially after the loss of my father, when these guys became my Sunday dads. It saddens me to see the way the older players have been treated and forgotten, especially after making so little money when they played. I'm willing to prime the advocacy pump to raise the awareness of heart disease in African Americans.”
"The NFL locker room was a sacred place. There were no distinctions based on skin color. We were all brothers with one goal: To Take Care of Each Other."
“It saddened me to see how what challenges these NFL heroes have due to significant health issues that may have been prevented. Meeting each one of them, respecting their incredible accomplishments and assisting them was a privilege and a gift. I will treasure their smiles, their hugs, and their stories in my heart forever."
"The best and most professional presentation that I have been involved with over the years through the NFL and NFLPA."
"Everything far exceeded any expectations!"
"Thank you for everything you’ve done and are doing to save lives - “one heartbeat at a time.” We are extremely grateful."
“I am the daughter of a college football player. Growing up, if there were two football games going on, we had two TV sets tuned in! Sadly, my father died at the age of 60 of a massive heart attack on the tennis court. Football and heart disease impacted my life. The Huddle Study participants became family to me."
“I wanted to have a positive impact on the lives of the guys and their wives.”
"I was very impressed by not only the education but the Personal Touch behind it was very classy and top-notch."
"Your TEAM WAS absolutely amazing. What a great opportunity we just got from all of you and what a pro bowl team you have put together"
“Through hearing the voices of other alumni share their experiences, I could visibly see others at the event become more engaged and interested in taking steps to positively affect their own health and wellbeing."
”My involvement in the Edwards NFL Heart study gave me a feeling of giving back. It was fantastic being a part of a project that was built around educating my NFL brothers about the risks and signs of heart and stroke issues.”
"It has given me new life in my work as a Clinical researcher. Quite often, you can become desensitized in the day-to-day Clinical work. This study reminded me why I do the work, and why it’s so meaningful and impactful."
More information is available at the Huddle Study web site.
