Cleveland Browns cornerback and American Heart Association Nation of Lifesavers NFL Player Ambassador Denzel Ward is featured on new billboards across Cleveland for National CPR and AED Week, which takes place annually from June 1 to 7. Ward, who lost his father to sudden cardiac death, is sharing a message that anyone can perform Hands‑Only CPR.
The American Heart Association reports that nearly six in ten American adults mistakenly believe only those with special training should perform Hands‑Only CPR. This misconception can have serious consequences, as immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) has been shown to improve outcomes significantly. Because most cardiac arrests occur outside hospitals, bystanders are often the only ones able to act quickly.
The national theme launched by the Heart Association in February 2026—'You Are the First Responder Until Help Arrives'—is highlighted in Cleveland through Ward's presence on local billboards. The campaign aims to encourage residents to intervene confidently during emergencies. Currently, bystanders perform CPR about 41% of the time; the Association seeks to increase this rate.
More than 350,000 cardiac arrests happen outside hospitals each year in the United States, with approximately 90% proving fatal and most occurring at home. To address misconceptions about required training for CPR, the Heart Association stresses that Hands‑Only CPR for teens and adults involves just two steps.
"CPR is a personal duty," Ward said. "Heroism isn't limited to uniforms – it is everyday people stepping up for others. Whether you're at home, at the gym, or at a Browns game, cardiac arrest can happen anywhere, and you're most likely to save someone you know." For four NFL seasons now, the American Heart Association and NFL have worked together through campaigns like Nation of Lifesavers to educate Americans about lifesaving skills such as Hands-Only CPR.
