UAB Donating 800 Guardian Caps to Youth

The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Sports and Exercise Medicine is investing in the safety of the next generation of athletes. Through a generous gift from the Monday Morning Quarterback Club, UAB has provided 800 Guardian Caps to players in the Birmingham Youth Sports League as they kick off their inaugural football season.

This initiative reflects UAB’s dedication to youth health and injury prevention, ensuring that young athletes enter the game with an added layer of head protection. Guardian Caps are designed to help reduce the risk of head impacts, making them an important tool for safer play.

Fred Horton, executive administrator for the UAB Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, shared the program’s mission: “At UAB Sports and Exercise Medicine, our commitment to the health and well-being of Birmingham’s youth extends beyond clinical care. This initiative reflects our ongoing mission to deliver comprehensive orthopaedic and sports medicine services while actively promoting education, prevention, and community engagement.”

In addition to the donation, UAB Sports and Exercise Medicine continues to support athletes, parents, and coaches by raising awareness of concussion safety. As Dr. John Lax emphasizes, one of the most important rules is simple: “When in doubt, hold them out.” Recognizing and addressing symptoms early is critical to protecting athletes’ long-term health.

With this donation, UAB is helping lay the groundwork for a safer football season while reinforcing its broader mission of advancing sports medicine, prevention, and community well-being.

UAB Donation

“We are thrilled to be able to partner with the city in this way, and protect the youth in our city, while also encouraging them to be active and play a sport that is so central to our city.”

Dr. John Lax, M.D.