In December 2024, the National Football League Alumni Association (NFL Alumni) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Division of Cancer Prevention and Control in partnership with Tanaq Management Services, LLC launched the GEAR UP Against Cancer campaign to improve cancer prevention, detection, and survivorship—particularly among men.

During its first year, NFL Alumni focused on colorectal cancer  targeting men in both Atlanta, Georgia and Tennessee (both Nashville and Memphis).

In its second year, NFL Alumni is increasing awareness of the steps that can be taken to prevent lung cancer and the importance of lung cancer screening among adults at high risk. NFL Alumni’s lung cancer awareness efforts are focused primarily on four markets: Dallas, Kansas City, New York/Northern New Jersey, and Pittsburgh.

The Campaign is also focused on engaging survivors of all cancers—particularly men—within the communities it serves, to gain a deeper understanding of their experiences and needs, to inform efforts to support survivors both at the national and local levels.

The GEAR UP Against Cancer Campaign is engaging former NFL players who serve as spokespersons for the effort—sharing cancer prevention, detection, and survivorship messages through social media, paid media, earned media, and community events.

The GEAR UP Against Cancer campaign embodies the triple mission of NFL Alumni, “Caring for our Own,” “Caring for Kids,” and “Caring for the Community.”