The Mules Football program was recently able to put a precautionary safety measure in place for student-athletes with the aid of an anonymous donation.
Several local medical practitioners, lawyers and realtors teamed up over the summer to supply 150 Guardian Caps, a value of more than $8,000, to be dispersed between Poplar Bluff High School and Junior High.
Guardian Caps add a padded, soft-shell layer to the exterior of football helmets with energy-absorbing properties designed to reduce the initial severity of impact to the head in contact sports, the company boasts.
“We appreciate all the support of the community – the kids and the coaches [alike],” said Jeffery Mannon, PBHS physical education instructor. After accepting the head football coaching position at the conclusion of the 2023/24 school year, Mannon was approached by the group of donors looking to identify ways to improve player safety, he recalled.
Mannon, who previously served as assistant football coach since 2008, said the soft-shell barriers have become more commonplace of late among larger schools throughout the region. The Guardian Cap Velcros onto the hard-shell helmet and only adds several ounces of weight.
Zero concussions have been reported during practice thus far this season, according to Mannon. “It lets you go at full-speed with reassurance that you won’t get a concussion on Tuesday at practice, and not be able to play during the game on Friday,” he explained.
The material science was developed in 2010, and its usage is optional during NFL games as of this year, and mandated by the league for certain positions during contact practices. While the Missouri State High School Activities Association does not yet endorse the add-on, Mannon hopes the standard helmet design will eventually advance to incorporate the safeguard.
In the 1960s and ‘70s, professional football players such as Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Willie Lanier were experimenting with customized padding on the outer shell of the helmet, according to R-I Athletic Director Kent Keith, “then I think they kind of got away from it,” he said. The research on chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), however, has become more prevalent in medical journals in recent years.
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Cutline: A Guardian Cap is displayed on the helmet of sophomore Dayton Weaver as he takes a break during football practice in August. (Photo credit: Lybby Mannon of PBJHS)