Updates

The NFL announced that the 2021 NFL Draft will again host Draft-a-Thon, a fundraiser that drives awareness and action to close critical gaps at the intersection of pandemic recovery and the hard-hit communities. Draft-a-Thon will raise funds on behalf of four national nonprofit organizations that are supporting underserved communities in the following areas: digital divide, health disparities, food insecurity and mental health.

"It's imperative to help those in need as we navigate toward recovery from the pandemic. Through Draft-a-Thon, the NFL Draft will serve as a platform to create action and change," said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. "We're proud to partner with the CDC Foundation, The Education Trust, Feeding America, and Mental Health America in helping generate awareness and driving assistance to aid those who have been critically underserved throughout the last year."

Similarly to last year, the Draft-a-Thon will be featured across the live draft coverage on ABC, ESPN, ESPN Deportes, ESPN Radio and NFL Network from April 29-May 1 and will showcase the efforts of the four nonprofit organizations that support pandemic recovery in these areas:

• Health Disparities – CDC Foundation: Through Draft-a-Thon, the CDC Foundation will drive awareness of the cause of health inequities and promote vital community conditions, including meeting the basic needs for health, nutrition, safety, housing, education, and meaningful work.
• Digital Divide – The Education Trust: This year's Draft-a-Thon will support The Education Trust in its work to close opportunity gaps that disproportionately affect students of color and students from low-income families.
• Food Insecurity – Feeding America: Feeding America estimates nearly 42 million people, including 13 million children, could face food insecurity in 2021 due to the ongoing economic fallout from COVID-19. Draft-a-Thon will provide an opportunity to inform fans that we all have neighbors that need our help putting food on the table, especially as we work towards pandemic recovery, and we can all help by spreading the word, donating and volunteering.
• Mental Health – Mental Health America: Mental Health America is the nation's leading community-based nonprofit dedicated to addressing the needs of those living with mental illness and to promote mental health. Draft-a-Thon will raise awareness and understanding that prioritizing our mental health is a key part of recovering from the pandemic.

During the first two days of the 2021 NFL Draft, current players, Legends, celebrities, and additional guests will raise awareness and funds for the four organizations. Draft-a-Thon LIVE will stream across NFL social and digital platforms including Twitter, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, Twitch, Reddit, and nfl.com/DraftaThon.

Fans and other supporters can learn more about this year's Draft-a-Thon and donate at nfl.com/DraftaThon.