WRGB (Albany, NY)
September 19, 2024
Albany, NY (WRGB) — Recent concussions in the NFL, like the one suffered by Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, have placed a spotlight on the safety of high school football players. Some schools in the Capital Region are already taking action.
At Albany Academy, players have started wearing Guardian Caps over their helmets. These soft, foam covers are designed to reduce the impact on players’ heads during practice.
Gavin Rathwell, a senior center and team captain, says the added protection gives him peace of mind. “Being in the front line every single play, I feel comforted knowing my safety is protected even more now because your brain is your best tool,” Rathwell said. “Wearing the Guardian Caps in practice makes us feel more safe.”
Michael Casale, a parent at Albany Academy, understands the importance of these caps firsthand. His son Charlie, now in eighth grade, suffered a concussion two years ago while playing football.
“You take it for granted that they’ll never get hurt,” Michael Casale said. “You’re cheering on your kid, and next thing you know he’s laying on the field and not moving.”
Charlie was taken to Albany Medical Center, where doctors confirmed the concussion. Fortunately, there was no bleeding in the brain, and Charlie was cleared to play again. He now plays for the high school team.
Albany, NY (WRGB) — Recent concussions in the NFL, like the one suffered by Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, have placed a spotlight on the safety of high school football players. Some schools in the Capital Region are already taking action.
At Albany Academy, players have started wearing Guardian Caps over their helmets. These soft, foam covers are designed to reduce the impact on players’ heads during practice.
Gavin Rathwell, a senior center and team captain, says the added protection gives him peace of mind. “Being in the front line every single play, I feel comforted knowing my safety is protected even more now because your brain is your best tool,” Rathwell said. “Wearing the Guardian Caps in practice makes us feel more safe.”
Michael Casale, a parent at Albany Academy, understands the importance of these caps firsthand. His son Charlie, now in eighth grade, suffered a concussion two years ago while playing football.
“You take it for granted that they’ll never get hurt,” Michael Casale said. “You’re cheering on your kid, and next thing you know he’s laying on the field and not moving.”
Charlie was taken to Albany Medical Center, where doctors confirmed the concussion. Fortunately, there was no bleeding in the brain, and Charlie was cleared to play again. He now plays for the high school team.
Parents like Casale hope other schools will adopt similar measures.
“You shouldn’t allow these kids to go out until they have this on their head,” Casale said. “It’s such a small investment for such a large return. You’re not only investing in your team but its players and their futures.”