Arkansas Football Player Feels Something Moving in His Helmet. Then Coaches Find a Venomous Snake: ‘The Stuff Nightmares Are Made Of’
Most people believe football can be a dangerous contact sport. But for one Arkansas teenage team member, his practice turned out to be far more dangerous than anyone ever guessed. One hour into practice, an odd occurrence happened. The player began to feel something moving and making noises inside his helmet, and what they discovered shocked everyone.
The player’s name has not been released because he is a minor and to protect his privacy. The day started like any other practice for the Maumelle High School football team. After an hour, the player approached his coach and told him what he felt. Upon further inspection, they discovered that the young man’s helmet was indeed compromised, and that the padding contained a snake.
Football Coaching Staff Shocked After Finding Snake in Player’s Helmet At Arkansas High School Football Practice
Thankfully, the young man wasn’t bitten, but according to Kark.com this was a first for Athletic Director Kirk Horton. The two-foot-long cotton-mouthed snake “was just shock and disbelief. I’ve got a better shot at winning the lottery than seeing this in my ten years.”
Unsure how to handle the situation, one staff member phoned Maumelle Animal Services, who arrived on the scene to safely take custody of the animal. The Maumelle Animal Services Facebook page shared the post, revealing that they were able to submerge the helmet in a sink to coax the cottonmouth into coming out and capturing it.
Per KATV, Animal Services Director Chris Davis stated, “I’ve removed a snake out of a car vent, in the engine, purses, backpacks. In a helmet? Never. It was very unreal. You had to kind of be there and take pictures to say this was real.”
Social Media Reacts
The viral TikTok has more than 6 million views and has sparked a lively conversation among social media users.
“I would have to quit football. I would never trust a helmet again, one TikTok follower notes.
“This is the stuff nightmares are made of,” another adds.
“My life would never be the same,” one more admits.
“That player BETTER have the coolest nickname on the field after that. Cobra. Hissman Trophy. Copperhead. Viper. python. fang. SOMETHING,” claims another.
Most Dangerous Snakes To Look Out For
Some of the most dangerous snakes live within the state, according to the Encyclopedia of Arkansas. While the most dangerous is listed as the Western Diamondback Rattlesnake. Venomous snakes often turn up in unexpected and bizarre places, such as the Maumelle High School football helmet incident.
However, do not underestimate the great danger level of a cottonmouth. Fortunately, the football player remained unharmed. But things could have turned out badly if the snake had bitten the young man’s head or face. The proximity to major blood vessels could have resulted in rapid, life-threatening complications.
The UofA Division of Agriculture offers a lengthy list of tips on identifying snakes, safety, and securing infrastructure against snakes.
Arkansas Laws Regarding Snakes
If you should come across an unwanted snake, be sure to obey all laws. According to the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, all Arkansas native snakes are protected by the law. Meaning it is illegal to kill or hunt snakes. That is, unless it poses an immediate, active physical threat to human safety, pets, or property.
All’s well that ends well, but most have to admit this kicks football up into a whole new level of dangerous.
