In 2017, our journey began with a moment that forever changed how we view athlete safety. A junior varsity football player, new to the sport, suffered a concussion during the team's first full-contact tackling drill of the season.
The team had dedicated time to preparation, building their strength and conditioning, refining their tackling technique, and reinforcing safety protocols. Coaching commands like “heads up,” “wrap,” and “run the feet” resonated across the field, stressing the importance of proper technique. Key safety instructions, such as “tuck your chin to your chest if you fall,” were emphasized to prevent head contact with the ground.
Despite these precautions, the unexpected happened. During a routine drill, the player fell and hit his head on the ground. He was immediately removed from practice after reporting a headache. A hospital visit confirmed a concussion, and the injury was severe enough to sideline him for the rest of the semester.
This incident was a wake-up call, one of many becoming all too common in youth sports. It drove us to take action. We realized the crucial role neck strength plays in reducing head and neck injuries—a factor often overlooked in traditional sports preparation.
From that moment, we committed ourselves to raising awareness and providing tools to address this issue. We developed a portable neck strength testing device to measure baseline and follow-up neck strength, empowering athletes, coaches, sports organizations, and medical personnel with actionable data.
Our device serves as a proactive intervention tool, helping teams and individuals better prepare for participation in contact sports. By emphasizing neck strength, we aim to reduce the incidence of head and neck injuries and foster a culture of safety in all sports.
We’re proud to offer an innovative solution that highlights the significance of neck strength as a key factor in injury prevention. Together, we can protect athletes and ensure sports remain a safe, rewarding experience for everyone.