Gridiron Heroes Spinal Cord Injury Foundation was formed in 2003 with a specific mission: To provide immediate, as well as, long term resources and support to individuals sustaining catastrophic spinal cord injury through activities associated with high school football.    

On November 2, 2001, Chris Canales, a senior defensive back playing for San Marcos Baptist Academy, sustained a spinal cord injury during the fourth quarter of his final regular season game. Chris lay motionless on the field for 19 minutes. The next three weeks, Chris fought for his life. The following months he battled through rehabilitation trying to gain movement and learning how to function as a quadriplegic. Chris’ injury and the lack of any organized support system for families prompted his father, Eddie Canales, the Canales family, and former coach Mike Kipp to begin discussions about the desperate need for an organization for families who were forced to deal with the consequences of this devastating injury.

In November of 2002, Chris and Eddie were in attendance at the Texas 3A State Championship football game in the Alamodome, in San Antonio. There they witnessed another spinal cord injury. This time it was Everman defensive back, Corey Fulbright. Chris turned to his Dad and said, “We need to go and help them. I know what he (Corey) is going to go through, and you know what the family will have to go through.” Inspired by the compassion of Chris, Eddie and Mike Kipp formed Gridiron Heroes Spinal Cord Injury Foundation. Articles of Incorporation were filed in February of 2003, and a 501(C) 3 Tax exempt status was obtained in May of the same year. Through a grant written by Eddie & his dad, Coach Robert M. Canales, funds received helped kick-off its first year.

Receiving calls from other states has shown a need for the work that is being done. Gridiron Heroes has taken step towards helping others nationwide. There have been others who suffered this similar injury in the past. Unfortunately and inevitably there will be more. Rest assured that Gridiron Heroes will be there for the next family who finds themselves in this life-changing situation.

Fill the Helmet Drive is a donation drive put on by the Valley Athletic Trainers Association each year to raise money for The Gridiron Heroes Spinal Cord Injury Foundation. It is our goal to take a proactive approach to helping athletes who sustain catastrophic spinal cord injuries.

Valley athletic trainers and student athletic trainers attend high school playoff games throughout the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) each year asking fans to "Fill the Helmet" with their donations. Ahtletic trainers work before the game, during the 1st and 2nd quarters, and through halftime in and around the stands to collect donations. Each year VATA members raise more than $6,000 with the support of the RGV high school football fans and the RGV community.