BROKEN ARROW, Okla. -- Football head injuries are becoming a growing concern for some parents. One football coach in Broken Arrow is tackling the issue head on, buying his team guardian caps.
Broken Arrow running back, Noah Cortez, like many football players has had his share of injuries.
"In 9th grade I got a concussion, helmet to helmet contact," said Cortez.
In an NBC News poll taken in January, 48% of Americans say they'd encourage a child who wanted to play football to pick a different sport, with their main concern being concussions. The number is up eight points since the same question was asked four years ago.
"In practice that’s where a bunch of injuries happen," said Cortez.
Broken Arrow Head Coach David Alexander is tackling the issue of head injuries with his team.
"I asked them, the booster club bought them, it’s their kids, they’re playing for Broken Arrow Tigers," said Coach Alexander.
The guardian cap easily attaches to the outside of the helmet. According to their website the cushioning absorbs 33% of the impact.
"One of my friends, he’s the other running back, he actually took a helmet to helmet and he said it’s a lot different," said Cortez.
Even though the players are only allowed to wear them during practice for now, Coach Alexander says these will benefit them now, and their health in the future.
"We want to take care of them, we don’t want to see anyone get hurt and especially a head injury where you can’t see, a broken ankle is easy to see, a head injury is not," said Coach Alexander.
Booster Club parents paid a $3,000 bulk price for about 100 guardian caps.
The players are hoping these will gain popularity, and help kids play the sport they love with much less risk.
"Being together under Friday night lights, there’s nothing better than that," said Cortez.
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