Former NFL cornerback Shawn Springs is the son of an NFL player. Now that his own sons are playing high school football, Shawn set out to create a better helmet. He launched Windpact, which developed an impact technology system for helmets and protective gear, after being inspired by some of the components used in baby car seats. The Leesburg-based company’s first helmet will be geared to cycling and released this fall.

Shawn says the company’s helmet technology disperses and pushes the impact away from the head. He adds that Windpact is one of the few addressing high and low impacts to the head. The company has plans to expand into other sports, including motocross, hockey and football, starting with youth and high school football. Windpact also recently hired former Cooley attorney Max Moyer (left, with CIO Maurice Kelly and Shawn) as COO and general counsel.