Scott Peters, Contact Specialist, Safe Football - Save the Game




Coach and Coordinator Podcast show

Summary: This show is one that presents solutions to the major threat facing our game. Peters provides specific answers in how we can save the game at every level, and it starts with a thorough examination of the “why” behind the way the game is taught. The information he provides in this episode will open your eyes and spur thinking on how every single coach is responsible for contributing to creating a strong future for the game of football. Former Arizona Cardinals player Scott Peters is on a quest developing a nonprofit business that makes football safer for professional and young athletes more successful in blocking and defeating blocks with his innovative hand combat and leverage concepts. Scott’s new techniques are sought out by most NFL and Major College Programs, and they teach simple, powerful ways to neutralize blocks. Safe Football LLC was launched by Peters, who said he had a history of concussions throughout his professional and college playing days, including one sustained without any helmet contact. Because there is no helmet that will resolve the injury issue and the safest football involves simply not playing, Peters is out to show the techniques he developed that he believes will make the sport safer by using a combination of mixed martial arts and biomechanics. “It’s about achieving vertical lift with the hands instead of horizontal contact,” said Peters, who holds a communications bachelor’s degree from Arizona State University. “It allows someone smaller to overpower someone larger using tapping and lifting techniques. It takes away their power. You’re operating with perfect alignment and compromising their spine and shoulder movements. It’s as safe as it’s going to get.” With approximately 3 million youth playing football, and a major push by colleges and the NFL to implement various efforts to reduce concussions, the nonprofit has a ready-made market for its offerings. The business is a spinoff of Peters’ Fight Ready MMA gym in Scottsdale. The former ASU player set up shop in the Valley and is looking to branch out beyond the fighting skills. “I like to say, ‘Save the brain. Save the game,’” said Peters, who sits on concussion analysis panels. “There are better ways to do things.”