Does my kid actually have to run to make it work?

Yes. The app uses the device's accelerometer and camera sensors to detect movement. If they sit on the couch and just tap the screen, they won't get very far. It’s designed to reward actual physical exertion.

Is there a risk of them accidentally buying a subscription?

The app is free, but it is heavily connected to the main NFL app which pushes NFL+ and NFL+ Premium subscriptions. You'll want to ensure your App Store/Play Store purchase permissions are locked down with a password.

Is it okay to play this indoors?

Only if you have a clear space. Since the game requires jumping and lateral movement, playing in a cluttered living room is a recipe for a broken screen or a stubbed toe. A basement or a backyard (on a dry day) is better.

Are there any social features or chat rooms?

No. NFL Play 60 is a single-player experience focused on personal bests and team unlocks. There is no way for strangers to contact your child through the app.

NFL Play 60 – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

NFL Play 60

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

app2010

79%

WISE Score

2.7

Google Play

The rare app that actually demands your kid get off the couch and run around to win.

NFL Play 60

app

Everyone, 2010

79%

WISE Score

2.7

Google Play

The rare app that actually demands your kid get off the couch and run around to win.

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Where to Find

App Store

Google Play

Screenwise Verdict

NFL Play 60 is the ultimate 'parental compromise' app. It uses the shiny allure of professional football to trick kids into doing cardio. While it’s not exactly The Legend of Zelda in terms of depth, it’s one of the few pieces of software that leaves a kid sweatier than when they started.

It’s essentially a gamified pedometer with a coat of NFL paint. If you’re trying to justify a tablet in the house, this is a solid 'active' option, provided you have a clear floor and a sturdy case on the device.

Age Fit

Perfect for the 5-to-10 crowd who still thinks 'running in place' is a blast. Middle schoolers will likely find the endless runner mechanics too simplistic and the branding a bit 'kiddie.'

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

It is built entirely around the concept of physical activity and health. It models a positive relationship between digital engagement and real-world movement without any snark or toxic competition.

Imaginative

The core mechanic is a standard endless runner. While it lets kids 'play' as their favorite teams, it doesn't offer much in the way of creative building or open-ended exploration.

Safe

As a brand-safe initiative from the NFL and American Heart Association, it avoids social chat and predatory loops. It's one of the cleanest 'big brand' apps out there.

Enriching

Actually succeeds at getting kids to jump, run, and turn in real life to control the game. It’s a literal bridge between screen time and cardio.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Physical movement is the primary controller, meaning kids are actually burning calories while 'gaming.'
Official NFL branding makes it an easy sell for kids who are already obsessed with Sunday Night Football.
Zero social friction because there is no open chat or multiplayer toxicity to manage.
Goal-oriented play encourages kids to hit that 60-minute daily activity mark recommended by health experts.

⚠

What to Watch For

The app is a gateway to the broader NFL ecosystem, including NFL+ subscriptions and highlight reels that can lead to more passive screen time.
It requires physical space to play safely; kids running around with a phone in their hand are prone to bumping into coffee tables or younger siblings.
The tech is dated—originally launched in 2010, the graphics and mechanics feel like a relic compared to modern AR games.

Conversation Starters

"Which NFL player do you think actually works the hardest during the off-season?"
"Why do you think the NFL wants kids to play outside for 60 minutes instead of just watching games on TV?"
"How does your heart feel after playing this versus playing something like Minecraft?"
"If you could design a new exercise for the app, what football move would it be?"

Deep Dive

The Cardio Compromise

In the world of 'educational' or 'healthy' apps, most titles are about as exciting as a bowl of plain oatmeal. NFL Play 60 manages to beat that trap by leaning heavily into the spectacle of the league. It’s an endless runner where movement is the engine—you jump, the character jumps; you run, they run. For a kid who wants to be the next Patrick Mahomes, that’s a high-octane hook.

A Product of Its Time

Originally released in 2010, the app hasn't exactly kept pace with the cutting edge of mobile gaming. If your kid is used to the high-fidelity world of Fortnite, they’re going to notice the 'retro' (read: old) feel of the graphics immediately. However, the simplicity is also its strength. There are no complicated menus, no battle passes to navigate, and no hidden loot boxes. It’s just football, fitness, and a very clear directive: get moving.

The NFL+ Connection

It's worth noting that the 'Play 60' initiative is now deeply integrated into the broader NFL app ecosystem. While the game itself is safe, it lives right next door to the NFL+ streaming service. This means your kid is only one or two taps away from ad-supported highlights and live game broadcasts. It’s a brilliant marketing funnel for the league, but for parents, it means you need to keep an eye on whether 'active time' is turning into 'watching highlights for three hours' time.

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