Philadelphia City Council Honors SAFR's Role in Enhancing Athlete Safety in Schools

Philadelphia City Council Celebrates SAFR's Dedication to Student Athlete Safety

On January 21, 2026, the Philadelphia City Council formally recognized the significant contributions of SAFR in protecting student athletes across the city. The initiative highlights SAFR's leading role in advancing concussion prevention through innovative helmet cover technology, marking Philadelphia as a national frontrunner in high school athlete safety.

The program, aptly named 'We Make Philadelphia Football SAFR,' has been implemented across 28 high school football programs, including prestigious institutions like West Philadelphia, Northeast, Archbishop Ryan, and Simon Gratz. SAFR has successfully outfitted over 1,500 high school athletes with specially designed protective helmet covers at no cost. This effort was made possible through generous donations from local sponsors and the collaboration with the International Student Athlete Academy (ISAA).

SAFR's protective gear utilizes patented Scientifically Advanced Force Reduction (SAFR) technology, aimed at mitigating impact-related risks often associated with contact sports, especially football. With over 3.8 million sports-related concussions reported annually in the U.S., youth athletes remain the most vulnerable group due to their ongoing brain development. SAFR seeks to change this narrative by ensuring that young athletes are equipped with the best safety measures available.

Key partnerships have played a pivotal role in the success of this initiative. Support from notable figures and organizations such as former NFL quarterback Ron Jaworski, La-Z-Boy Furniture, and the NFL Foundation has significantly enhanced the reach and impact of the program. Community involvement has been robust, with support coming from local businesses, law firms, and numerous individual community members who believe in prioritizing athlete safety.

With Pennsylvania gaining recognition as a leader in concussion prevention, state legislators such as Representative Sean Dougherty are now advocating for legislation that mandates the use of impact-reducing helmet covers during practices and games. This proposed legislation reflects the growing awareness and emphasis on athlete safety, particularly in high-contact sports like football.

John Zeglinski, CEO of SAFR Sports, expressed gratitude for the recognition from the Philadelphia City Council. He stated, "This acknowledgment underscores the importance of proactive, science-backed solutions to protect young athletes and ensure the long-term health of the game. We are proud that Philadelphia is leading this critical effort."

Athletic Directors from participating schools also expressed their appreciation for SAFR's efforts. Phil Gormley, Athletic Director of Northeast High School, remarked on the importance of providing such opportunities for students who might not otherwise receive access to high-quality safety gear. Similarly, Stephen Haug, Executive Director of Athletics for the Archdiocese, emphasized the need for ongoing commitment to player safety and the hope that these measures will promote a safer playing environment.

The formal recognition ceremony will take place during a Philadelphia City Council session on January 22, 2026, at City Hall, where SAFR's achievements will be enshrined in the city's public record. This growing focus on concussion prevention represents a crucial step towards safeguarding the well-being of student athletes, ensuring they can enjoy the game with reduced risk and optimal safety.