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USA Football, NFL join National Sports Concussion Coalition

The coalition partners also will include the NFL, NFL Players Association and the National Football Foundation.

USA Football executive director Scott Hallenbeck said his group's commitment shows in the creation of the Heads Up Football program, which includes a concussion-awareness program.

"Our No. 1 priority is the health and safety of our young athletes," Hallenbeck told NFL Evolution. "Awareness of player safety concerns has graduated to action, which is happening in innovative and exciting education-based ways. We will continue to advance this important work together as partners in sport."

The AP report said the coalition's goal is to give parents peace of mind.

The coalition will be led by Tony Strickland, who said while many concussions go undiagnosed, sports never have been safer for kids.

Jon Butler, the executive director of Pop Warner football, said his organization has put safety on the front burner. Pop Warner recently agreed to a partnership with USA Football's Heads Up Football program.

-- Bill Bradley, contributing editor