Drew Dalman, currently the center for the Atlanta Falcons and formerly a player for Stanford, had the advantage of access to innovative technology during his time at the university. On the sidelines of Stanford’s games, Dalman discovered a device called the CoolMitt, initially developed by doctors to cool down overheated American soldiers in Iraq. This technology has now found its way into sports, including football. The CoolMitt is a device that athletes can place their hand in for a short period of time to relax their muscles and enhance their athletic performance.
However, Dalman admits that he has not yet used this technology in the NFL. While he believes it is likely allowed on the NFL sidelines, he does not want to take the risk until he is certain. Nevertheless, off the field, Dalman is a consistent user of the CoolMitt. He has found it to be incredibly helpful in his training, noticing noticeable short-term performance effects. Additionally, Dalman is interested in exploring the potential longer-term adaptations that may occur as a result of using the CoolMitt consistently.
Studies on the technology have yielded astonishing results. For example, an NFL tight end improved his bench pressing performance from 51 to 60 reps after three weeks of using the CoolMitt in between sets. Following a four-week period without cooling, his numbers remained the same. However, after two weeks of reintroducing the CoolMitt, he achieved 67 reps. Dalman primarily uses the CoolMitt for endurance training in controlled environments where he can take a few minutes between sets to use the device.
The CoolMitt has also been used in other sporting events, such as a PGA event and Major League Baseball. However, it comes with a hefty price tag of over $1,000. Nonetheless, Dalman believes that the company behind the CoolMitt is working towards developing more affordable alternatives. This would allow high schools and college programs to afford the technology and prevent incidents related to heat during summer practices.
Interestingly, the CoolMitt has played a role in Dalman’s journey to the NFL, as he followed in the footsteps of his father, Chris Dalman, who won a Super Bowl with the San Francisco 49ers. Now, Drew Dalman finds himself on the 2-1 Falcons team in a division that remains wide open. Despite their wins, Dalman emphasizes that there is still room for improvement and that the team remains motivated to continue climbing towards their goals under the leadership of Coach Smith.
Overall, Drew Dalman’s experience with the CoolMitt highlights its potential to enhance athletic performance and its application across various sports. While he looks forward to the possibility of more affordable options, Dalman remains focused on his own training and improvement, aiming to contribute to the success of the Falcons and fulfill his personal ambitions in the NFL.