DEA and NFL Alumni Health Unite to Combat Fentanyl Crisis with “One Pill Can Kill” Campaign

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and NFL Alumni Health (NFLAH) are entering their third consecutive year of collaboration, leveraging the visibility of major sporting events to combat the pervasive fentanyl crisis. This partnership aims to disseminate the critical message that “One Pill Can Kill” and bolster the DEA’s “Fentanyl Free America” initiative, focusing on reducing the demand for this dangerous synthetic opioid and safeguarding communities.

Fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid, is frequently disguised within counterfeit pills designed to mimic prescription medications like oxycodone, hydrocodone, and Adderall. It is also deceptively mixed with other illicit drugs, including cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin, a practice that has tragically contributed to record numbers of drug overdose deaths and poisonings across the United States. Public understanding of the extreme danger of fentanyl is paramount, as even a minuscule amount, as little as two milligrams, can be fatal. The only safe way to obtain medication is through a prescription from a licensed healthcare professional.

This joint effort has brought the vital “One Pill Can Kill” message to the forefront during the Super Bowl for the past three years. During this period, there has been a notable decrease in fentanyl-related poisoning deaths. In 2024, approximately 50,000 individuals died from fentanyl, a significant drop from the nearly 73,000 deaths recorded in 2023, which marked the peak of the crisis. Despite this progress, drug-related fatalities, largely driven by synthetic opioids, continue to be the leading cause of death for Americans between the ages of 18 and 44. The combined impact of increased public awareness generated at high-profile events, alongside intensified enforcement, educational outreach, disruptions to supply chains, and demand reduction strategies, has contributed to these encouraging trends.

The DEA has reported substantial seizures of fentanyl, with over 47 million fentanyl pills and nearly 10,000 pounds of fentanyl powder confiscated in 2025 alone. These seizures represent the removal of an estimated 369 million potentially deadly doses from circulation. The DEA emphasizes that building a “Fentanyl Free America” requires collective action. This includes educating oneself and others about the dangers of fentanyl, fostering open and honest conversations about counterfeit pills, and increasing awareness on social media platforms using hashtags like #fentanylfree or #fentanylfreetome. The DEA also encourages the public to follow their official social media channels for ongoing updates and to help amplify the awareness campaign.

For those seeking further information and resources, the DEA offers a wealth of materials online. The DEA.gov/onepill website provides free fact sheets, guidance on how to talk to young people about drug risks, and promotional content. Additionally, DEA.gov/fentanylfree offers comprehensive resources focused on protection, prevention, and community support in the fight against fentanyl.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration

---