NFL-Funded Program Aims To Cut Down On High School Concussions

BROOMFIELD, Colo. (CBS4) - High school football players are learning how to protect themselves on the field. They are trying to reduce the risk of head and neck injuries.

The Legacy High Lightning have been hard at it, preparing for the football season. But this year they are tackling safety more seriously than ever. It's the new mantra for the men in blue and gold.

Coaches want the Legacy Lightning to strike but they don't want the players to see stars. This season the football team is getting used to a new technique -- use the head to learn the plays, not to pummel the opponent.

"Just keep our heads up so less concussions," a player said.

USA Football, the leading authority on amateur football, developed the training with funding from the NFL. Legacy High School coach Wayne Voorhees tackled it gladly.

"Our game needs to be saved. It's been under attack the past three or four years with concussions and we got to make it the safest possible game we can make it," Voorhees said.

Voorhees is a master trainer for the "Heads Up Football" program. Legacy is the pilot in Colorado.

"Last year by this time we had multiple injuries from concussions," another player said. "Now this year we don't have any concussions."

Heads Up is for the future -- for the health and well-being of the players -- and the game.

The Heads Up program is now in 34 high schools in 10 states. The ultimate goal is to get football players of all ages to keep their heads up.

LINK: Heads Up Football