NFL Raises Standard for Helmet Performance as Five New Models Achieve Record-High Testing Results

[JetNation]

The NFL and NFLPA announced the introduction of five new helmets for the 2024 season that tested better than any helmet ever worn in the league, reflecting a significant advancement in helmet safety innovation. In total, a record 12 new helmet models are eligible for players to wear for the 2024 season. Expansion and improved performance of position-specific helmets marks a significant leap in providing players with the best protection for their position.

Record 12 New Models Eligible for 2024 Season, Reflecting Accelerated Pace of Helmet Innovation

This year, there will also be more position-specific helmets available to players than ever before, with eight new position-specific models introduced this season. These helmets are designed to mitigate impacts more likely to be sustained by individual positions. The designs of position-specific and all helmet models are informed in part by game impact data that the league collects and shares with helmet manufacturers. 

After first becoming available to offensive and defensive linemen in 2022 and quarterbacks in 2023, 2024 will be the third season that position-specific helmets are available for certain positions.

“We’re proud to see so many new helmets continue the rapid rate of improvement we’ve seen over the past decade,” said Jeff Miller, NFL Executive Vice President overseeing Player Health and Safety. “What’s more, the growing availability of position-specific helmets is a central part of our effort to provide players with the best possible protection for their position. Quarterbacks and linemen will have a range of tailored helmets available to them with more positions to come in the next couple of years.”

The NFL, in collaboration with the NFLPA, annually conducts laboratory testing performed by jointly appointed biomechanical experts to evaluate which helmets best reduce head impact severity. Top-performing helmets were also evaluated using position-specific test methodologies for quarterbacks, offensive linemen and defensive linemen. These tests recreate the unique impacts players at each position tend to experience on the field.

The results of the tests are on display in all club locker rooms. This year, for the first time, there are four total helmet posters in circulation: one for helmets available for use by players at all positions, and three additional posters that reflect helmet performance in testing specific to quarterbacks, offensive linemen, and defensive linemen.

In total, six helmets were newly prohibited for the 2024 season. Each of these helmets ranked among the top-performing group when first introduced, which is a testament to how helmet performance has increased through the introduction of new, better performing helmets.

This year’s helmet poster features two new models – the LIGHT Gladiator (ATK) and Xenith Orbit Pro – developed by awardees of the NFL Helmet Challenge, a $3 million competition designed to accelerate helmet performance and safety for NFL players. Their inclusion in the highest-performing section of this year’s rankings reflects the league’s commitment to working with a wide range of engineers and material scientists to generate new, highly effective approaches to helmet design.

 

The post NFL Raises Standard for Helmet Performance as Five New Models Achieve Record-High Testing Results appeared first on JetNation.com - New York Jets Blog & Forum.

 

[Jack Straw]

None of this matters. Helmets will be extinct once they attach belts with flags around the waists of these dudes.

[bitonti]

does this mean Aaron Rodgers finally has to upgrade his ancient age helmet made of bronze

[The Crusher]

2 minutes ago, bitonti said:

does this mean Aaron Rodgers finally has to upgrade his ancient age helmet made of bronze

Seems like a waste for only 4 plays. No?

[TBJ]

Who does the testing, the manufacturers?

#S&E

[bitonti]

Just now, The Crusher said:

Seems like a waste for only 4 plays. No?

i just looked it up the Schutt Air XP Q11 is only "Not Recommended" list not banned outright (yet) 

i assume it will be though as soon as Aaron Rodgers retires 

[bitonti]

Just now, TBJ said:

Who does the testing, the manufacturers?

The NFL, in collaboration with the NFLPA, through their respective appointed biomechanical experts

 

https://static.www.nfl.com/image/upload/v1712665965/league/yt3aubz9cjxmg3seascg.pdf

[TBJ]

Just now, bitonti said:

The NFL, in collaboration with the NFLPA, through their respective appointed biomechanical experts

 

https://static.www.nfl.com/image/upload/v1712665965/league/yt3aubz9cjxmg3seascg.pdf

The "experts"

#S&E

[The Crusher]

7 minutes ago, bitonti said:

i just looked it up the Schutt Air XP Q11 is only "Not Recommended" list not banned outright (yet) 

i assume it will be though as soon as Aaron Rodgers retires 

See you later AR8 and take your darkness, Ayahuasca and old ass antique helmet with you!  Later!!

[Beerfish]

14 minutes ago, bitonti said:

does this mean Aaron Rodgers finally has to upgrade his ancient age helmet made of bronze

The dude doesn't even know how to wear a helmet.

[Integrity28]

 

let’s get it!!!!

[Warfish]

Denver rolling out the first images of the new helmets:

[Warfish]

I hear MLB is also considering new headgear, for fan and player safety.  Foul balls can kill.

[Stark]

3 hours ago, The Crusher said:

Seems like a waste for only 4 plays. No?

[Jet_Engine1]

Pointless PR. Until helmets have external air or liquid bags to completely dampen impacts, maybe Holtzman shields like in Dune, or are installed inside the skull, maybe in the subarachnoid or in the Dura Mater to eliminate internal coup-contracoup injury, not much will change. 

[Maxman]

4 hours ago, Jet_Engine1 said:

Pointless PR. Until helmets have external air or liquid bags to completely dampen impacts, maybe Holtzman shields like in Dune, or are installed inside the skull, maybe in the subarachnoid or in the Dura Mater to eliminate internal coup-contracoup injury, not much will change. 

I am not disagreeing that this is just PR. It is. But a lot has changed but it has a ton to do with changing camp and the contact in practices and making the game much less violent overall.

[Dunnie]

None of this matters. Helmets will be extinct once they attach belts with flags around the waists of these dudes.

Don't be so sure ... Touch football ... Now requires ugly helmets.

Sent from my Pixel 7 using Tapatalk