St. Albans football player recovering from serious concussion

ST. ALBANS, WV (WOWK) – A sophomore football player at St. Albans High School is recovering from a serious concussion during their game against Capital High School last Friday.

Brayden Peck told 13 News all he remembers is a kick-off return, and then nothing at all. When he came to, he remembers feeling pain in his head, back, and neck. As well as having many people surrounding him.

His father, Robert Peck, told 13 News that this was a scary and unexpected situation.

“You think it’s not going to be your kid,” said Robert.

Brayden was transported to CAMC Friday night and remained in the trauma center until Sunday afternoon. He has a severe concussion and is currently unable to attend school.

The Pecks are looking to see improvements to the safety equipment players already have.

“The technology is out there. There’s no reason for them to still be wearing cheap $100 football helmets,” said Robert. “I know that the higher-end speed flex and F-7s (helmet) cost a little bit more money. But when it comes down to it, it’s well worth it. There’s no point. And risk in our kids out here playing the sport that they love.”

The Pecks believe that changes should be mandated.

“It should be a mandate that the highest quality at that time is what is put on the field,” said Robert. “They want a quality product on the field. Well, you can’t have a quality product without quality protection.”

However, Brayden says he is ready to get back out on the field.

Dr. Javier Cardenas, the director of the Concussion and Brain Injury Center at the Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute, says that while things have gotten better, there is still more room for growth. He suggests that programs regulate the number of contact practices, invest in additional protective gear, and teach athletes how to recognize and report symptoms of a concussion.

Cardenas placed a heavy emphasis on the importance of not rushing recovery especially when it comes to concussions. And, that coaches encourage safe play.

Cardenas also gives props to officials, as they help to regulate the game and keep it safe. He says he wants to allow kids to reap the benefits of healthy activity but find a way to keep it safe.

“And what’s great about athletics and sport is those activities also keep us healthy. So from a 30,000-foot view, we want kids to participate in athletics we want them to be socially engaged,” said Cardenas. “We want them to learn leadership skills, but we also want them to be absolutely safe as possible when they’re doing so.”

One thing that Cardenas emphasized that all programs could do is, having an athletic trainer on staff. As not only do they help prevent injury and keep athletes healthy, but in the event of an injury they can help the athlete fully rehabilitate. Thus, not risking reinjury.

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