PHILADELPHIA, PA — May 12, 2026 — SAFR Sports today announced it will return as a sponsor of the Philadelphia City All-Star Football Game for the fourth consecutive year, once again equipping every player from both squads with custom, game-day ready SAFR Helmet Covers. The 2026 contest will continue a tradition that dates back to 1975 and showcases the city’s top graduating high school football players in a Public League versus Private/Catholic League matchup.
Since first sponsoring the game’s post-pandemic return in 2023, SAFR has fitted every athlete in the Philadelphia City All-Star Football Game with its patented helmet cover technology, which is scientifically proven to reduce the external blunt force that can lead to concussive and sub-concussive injuries.
“Four years in, this partnership represents exactly what we set out to do — protect the players who make this great game possible, in our own backyard. The Philadelphia City All-Star Game has become the safest all-star game in the country, and we’re proud to keep showing up for the players, their families, and the coaches who pour so much into them.”
Carlos Bradley, SAFR Sports Board Chairman, Philadelphia native, and former NFL linebacker
A Proven Difference on the Field
SAFR Helmet Covers attach to any new or existing helmet and are permitted for game play by the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) and the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS). The covers can be customized to match team colors and logos, ensuring players look the part while gaining an added layer of protection.
Independent research continues to validate the technology:
• A two-year on-field high school study published in 2024 found that wearing a SAFR Helmet Cover in games decreased concussion by 48%, while concussion increased 34% among players who did not wear one.
• Testing at the Virginia Tech Helmet Lab showed that adding a SAFR Helmet Cover to a 5-Star helmet provides up to a 77% improvement in risk of concussion versus the helmet score alone.
• A three-year Pennsylvania university field study showed concussive impacts were reduced by 72% on the harder hits when SAFR Helmet Covers were worn.
“Recognizing outstanding student-athletes is what this game is all about, but playing the game safely has to come first. Four years of working with SAFR has shown us that this technology delivers on its promise. Sending these young men into the game with the best available head protection is the right thing to do, and we’re grateful to have a Philadelphia-based partner that shares that commitment.”
Mark Wilson, President of the Philadelphia City All-Star Football Game
Building on a Year of Recognition for Philadelphia
The fourth-year sponsorship comes on the heels of a milestone year for SAFR’s work in its hometown. In January 2026, Philadelphia City Council formally recognized SAFR for its leadership in advancing concussion prevention and athlete protection across the city’s high school programs — a designation that has positioned Philadelphia as the safest place in the nation to play high school football. SAFR has also expanded its work with Philadelphia football icon Ron Jaworski to outfit student-athletes across the city.
“At SAFR, we are constantly pursuing new ways to improve sports safety through science, and the Philadelphia City All-Star Football Game has been a powerful platform for that mission since day one. We credit the All-Star Game’s leadership for taking this step year after year, and we’re honored to keep building on what we’ve started together.”
John Zeglinski, President & CEO of SAFR Sports
About the Philadelphia City All-Star Football Game
Founded in 1975, the Philadelphia City All-Star Football Game brings together the best graduating senior football players from the city’s Public League and Private/Catholic League programs for a single end-of-season showcase. Beyond the game itself, the organization recognizes academic achievement and has awarded scholarship grants totaling more than $400,000 to over 600 Philadelphia student-athletes. More information is available at phillyallstarfb.com.
About SAFR SportsSAFR is a leading innovator in helmet cover safety technology, dedicated to reducing concussions and improving player safety at all levels of football in both practice and games. SAFR’s patented helmet cover is designed to integrate seamlessly with modern helmets, offering unparalleled protection without compromising aesthetics or performance. To learn more, visit safrsports.com.
