Players are taught to keep their heads up and lead with their shoulders when tackling. When executed properly, proponents say, Heads Up Tackling literally takes the head out of the game. The program teaches concussion awareness and proper helmet fitting, but its central tenet is the soon-to-be trademarked Heads Up Tackling program. Introduced in 2012 by the NFL's youth development arm, USA Football, and funded entirely by the league, Heads Up is now employed by 2,700 youth leagues. The basis for the NFL's claims that it is making football safer for children is a program called Heads Up Football. The effort is not being met with universal praise. After years of using questionable scientific research and public statements to deny the seriousness of head injuries in football, the NFL is inserting itself directly into the difficult conversations parents face amid growing evidence that football can lead to brain damage.

The nationwide initiative is the NFL's latest attempt at managing the concussion crisis. Led by commissioner Roger Goodell, the NFL has spent $1.5 million to persuade parents in leagues like Katy that it is making football safer by teaching tackling techniques that will reduce concussions. The league also could be considered a human laboratory for the National Football League. Based outside of Houston, the league boasts 58 teams and more than 1,600 players, including 6-year-olds who wobble comically under 3-pound helmets before crashing into each other and falling down. KATY, Texas - The Katy Youth Football league plays its annual championship games in a 10,000-seat stadium.

Slow getting up by nate jackson