WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and NFL Alumni Health are teaming up for a third consecutive year to raise awareness about the dangers of fentanyl, using football’s biggest stage to amplify the message: “One Pill Can Kill.”
The collaboration supports the DEA’s Fentanyl Free America initiative, which aims to reduce demand for fentanyl and protect communities from the synthetic opioid that has driven record numbers of overdoses nationwide. DEA officials said the partnership combines public awareness, education and outreach with ongoing enforcement efforts.
Fentanyl is often pressed into counterfeit pills designed to resemble prescription medications such as oxycodone, hydrocodone and Adderall, and is also frequently mixed into substances including cocaine, methamphetamine and heroin. Officials warn that as little as two milligrams of fentanyl can be lethal and stress that the only safe medications are those prescribed by a licensed doctor or pharmacist.
According to the DEA, fentanyl-related poisoning deaths declined in 2024 to nearly 50,000, down from nearly 73,000 in 2023 at the height of the crisis. Despite the decline, synthetic opioids remain the leading cause of death for Americans ages 18 to 44.
“This is the deadliest drug crisis our nation has ever faced. While we spread the message that One Pill Can Kill, we also know that one informed parent, one coach, or one teammate can make all the difference and save a life,” said DEA Administrator Terrance Cole. “DEA is proud to team up with NFL Alumni Health to deliver a powerful message: America is done playing defense. We’re tackling this crisis head on and working together to ensure future generations live in a Fentanyl Free America.”
NFL Alumni Health leaders said the partnership uses the visibility of former professional football players to reach families and communities.
“This collaboration leverages the influence of former players, like legendary Hall of Famer Rod Woodson, to amplify the One Pill Can Kill campaign by inspiring change to protect communities,” said Brad Edwards, CEO of the NFL Alumni Association. “DEA and NFLAH are working together to eliminate the fentanyl supply that is fueling the nation’s deadliest drug crisis and build a Fentanyl Free America.”
NFL Alumni Health Managing Member Kyle Richardson said the campaign encourages families to talk openly about drug safety.
“We want Americans and families to have open and honest conversations,” Richardson said. “Just like we sit around the kitchen table talking about football and our favorite teams and players, we should be talking about real ways to keep our families safe. If you don’t know where to start, DEA provides those resources like Tips for Talking as a way to have conversations based on age, elementary through young adult.”
As part of this year’s effort, DEA Administrator Cole and NFL alumni including Richardson, Garrison Hearst and Hall of Famer Rod Woodson are participating in media appearances, school visits and outreach events around the Super Bowl host city. The campaign also includes street teams engaging directly with fans.
DEA officials said the agency seized more than 47 million fentanyl pills and nearly 10,000 pounds of fentanyl powder in 2025, removing what they described as the equivalent of 369 million potentially lethal doses from circulation.
DEA and NFL Alumni Health are encouraging the public to learn about the dangers of fentanyl, have honest conversations about counterfeit pills and help spread awareness by sharing what a Fentanyl Free America means to them on social media using hashtags such as #fentanylfree and #fentanylfreetome.
