At the heart of this initiative, NFL Alumni Health hosted its annual “Huddle for Health” Symposium at Tulane University’s School of Public Health, where professionals, athletes, and public health leaders gathered to address the growing crisis. The event featured a compelling DEA presentation on fentanyl, reinforcing the importance of spreading critical awareness about this deadly epidemic.
NFL Alumni Health Managing Member Kyle Richardson emphasized the campaign’s significance, stating, “The message is clear: one pill can kill, but one conversation can save a life. Our mission is to help communities understand the real dangers posed by counterfeit pills and fentanyl, and to encourage proactive steps in safeguarding themselves and their families.”
Following the Symposium, DEA Special Agent in Charge Cheri Oz teamed up with NFL alumni Ambassador Rod Woodson and Kyle Richardson for a media outreach campaign. They spoke with prominent outlets to explain why football fans across the country need to understand the risks of synthetic drugs and urged both local and national celebrities to use their platforms to raise awareness.
The campaign then extended to the local community, as DEA and NFL Alumni Health brought the “One Pill Can Kill, But One Conversation Can Save a Life” program to a New Orleans school. There, Rod Woodson directly engaged with students to discuss the dangers of counterfeit pills and the importance of taking precautions to protect themselves.
The Super Bowl event marked a critical moment in the ongoing fight against fentanyl, aligning with the DEA’s efforts to remove deadly doses from communities. In 2024 alone, the DEA seized over 55.5 million fentanyl pills and 7,800 pounds of fentanyl—potentially preventing over 367 million deadly doses from reaching the streets. With half of the pills tested by the DEA containing a potentially lethal amount of fentanyl, the partnership with NFL Alumni Health is more vital than ever.
As the crisis continues, NFL Alumni Health and the DEA remain committed to educating communities, especially those at risk, and providing resources to help fight this deadly epidemic. This collaborative effort proves that when athletes, influencers, and community leaders speak out together, real change can happen in the battle against fentanyl and counterfeit pills.
For more information about the NFLAH and DEA partnership One Pill Can Kill
