Buffalo Bill’s linebacker AJ Klein wears a unique, protective necklace that is just as much a part of his uniform as his helmet and shoulder pads.
The Q-Collar is a non-invasive device worn around the neck to protect the brain from the effects associated with repetitive, subconcussive head butts. A plastic band with a spring-loaded steel core slips around the neck. The tape applies about 1.2 pounds of pressure on the wearer’s internal jugular vein, which carries oxygen-free blood from the brain back to the heart.
Dr. Julian Bailes, the former team doctor for the Pittsburgh Steelers, began researching various ways to protect the brain while exercising over a decade ago. After being discovered by the inventor Dr. When approached David Smith, Bailes looked at how to protect the brain from within, rather than simply covering it with additional protective layers.
“Knowing that helmets don’t prevent concussions and brain injuries, helmets protect against skull fractures and, in most cases, cerebral hemorrhage and facial injuries, but they cannot protect against brain injuries because the brain is free to move and fibers to stretch and twist, so we looked at it differently, ”said Bailes.
The result was the Q-collar, which received market clearance from the FDA in February. Klein has been wearing it since five-time all-pro linebacker Luke Kuechly introduced it to him when they played together in Carolina.
“I did all of the research and decided to wear it,” said Klein. “If anything, it makes me feel safer and more protected. It’s really strange now. When I don’t wear it in the field, I kind of feel naked. So it’s one of those things that I’ve adapted to and I feel like I have to wear one. “
Two-time Pro Bowl tight end Vernon Davis started wearing one after suffering multiple concussions.
“When I first got introduced to it, I wore it all along,” said Davis, who played for San Francisco, Denver and Washington from 2006-19. “I would wear it when riding a bike. Whatever it was, when I had to do something with physical activity, I wore it. “
LEADING SPORTS AWARDS
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are winners of the 2021 Inclusion Award for the team’s efforts as a pioneer in gender equality.
The announcement was made at Twickenham Stadium in London at the 7th Annual Leaders Sports Awards Banquet, which recognizes organizations that push boundaries and lead by example across the sports industry.
“Establishing a culture of inclusivity is important to the team and our belief in providing opportunities for people from different backgrounds,” said Bucs co-owner Darcie Glazer Kassewitz.
Leaders in Sport rated projects and initiatives that promote inclusion, equality and diversity and appeal to communities regardless of age, sexuality, gender, disability, religion or belief. The group cited the Bucs as “the embodiment of the inclusion category”.
“Through the team and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Foundation, their programs have made a difference in a male-dominated industry and demonstrated that football is a game for everyone, regardless of gender. The inclusion award is intended to celebrate and honor those who have questioned the norm in sport … “, stated the organization.
Under Kassewitz’s direction, the Buccaneers have the Jr. Bucs Girls Flag Football League, Tampa’s first flag football league for girls, and the Jr. Bucs School Program, the largest in-school program in the team’s history, affecting nearly 200,000 students in 300 schools established across Tampa Bay.
Last year, the Buccaneers launched the Girls in Football Scholarship, making it the first NFL team to provide an academic college scholarship for high school graduates who play soccer and pursue a sports career.
CATCH BRADY
Now that Tom Brady holds the NFL record for yards passing, who is standing to catch it?
Nobody, really.
According to Sidelines, which analyzed data for each quarterback’s average season, it could be a range of more than 80,000 yards through the air.
The closest is Ben Roethlisberger from Pittsburgh, who would need about five more seasons to get there. Big Ben is struggling this season and is likely to retire after 2021.
Matt Ryan, who works with an Atlanta Falcons rebuilding team, would also take five years. At least Ryan would only be 40 by then; Roethlisberger would have to continue playing until he is 43.
Aaron Rodgers takes about six seasons, which would also bring him to 43 years. At least Rodgers seems to be at his peak.
It’s a long way to go for greats like Russell Wilson, 12 seasons, Patrick Mahomes, 14, and Dak Prescott, 15, but at least they’re in or nearing their prime.
On the other hand, Brady could bring that record into six-digit numbers.
AUTISM CHALLENGE
The Philadelphia Eagles Autism Foundation and Eagles Autism Challenge 2021 have raised more than $ 2.7 million for autism research and care thanks to donors from 15 countries, 1,850 participants, and 12,819 donations.
All funds raised by attendees will go towards autism research and programs.
Since the Eagles Autism Challenge’s first year in 2018, 36 countries and 76,788 donations have contributed to the more than $ 12 million.
“We all know the Eagles fans’ passion for their soccer team,” says team owner Jeffrey Lurie, who really defines them. The advances we’ve made – which have had a positive impact on so many families around the world – wouldn’t be possible without our fans and supporters of the Eagles Autism Foundation. As we look back on this amazing year, we also look to a future of endless possibilities thanks to the support we are so fortunate to provide. “
In addition to a 5K run / walk and a family-friendly sensory walk, the participants had the opportunity to choose from three cycle routes. Supporters who wanted to collect donations but could not ride, run or run were given the opportunity to register as virtual participants.
“While the past year and a half has presented us all with many unique challenges, the only constant has been the unwavering commitment to our mission of everyone who has embarked on this journey with us,” said Ryan Hammond, executive director of the Eagles Autism Foundation . “Every dollar raised by the Eagles Autism Foundation is invested back in cutting-edge autism research and care at the best medical facilities in North America.”
The Eagles Autism Foundation invites researchers to apply for grants to support basic and clinical autism research, studies focusing on affected individuals and families, and various model systems.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that one in 54 people living in the United States is on the autism spectrum.
FALCONS ‘FRANKS GETS THE LOOK
Atlanta Falcons coach Arthur Smith doesn’t hide the fact that he’s following league rivals New Orleans’ use of Taysom Hill as he examines the versatility of backup quarterback Feleipe Franks.
Just as the Saints Hill took advantage of, the Falcons gave Franks a sneak peek at the close end of the rookie’s first action in the team’s only win so far at the New York Giants. For the first time in the active squad, Franks played two snaps on the tight end. He also snapped the quarterback and handed him over.
The 6-foot-6,235-pound francs got rid of a few quarterback runs this preseason. Smith described the former Arkansas and Florida quarterback as a “hellish athlete”.
Franks signed with Atlanta as an undrafted rookie. Smith said the idea of moving Franks to other positions “somehow evolved”.
“I think New Orleans set the stage for everyone, and everyone was looking for that guy,” said Smith. “… Taysom is the only guy I’ve seen who can really play multiple courses. … We’ll keep stepping on the tires, see if it brings us anything, but it’s Feleipe’s honor because Feleipe has worked really hard to become a professional quarterback. “
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The AP Pro Football writers Barry Wilner and Rob Maaddi and the sports journalist Charles Odum contributed.
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