NFL Helmets: 12 New Models Approved for 2024 Season, huge upgrade
NFL Players Gain Access to Expanded Helmet Options in 2024
In a concerted effort to enhance player safety and reduce head injuries, the NFL is introducing a range of new helmets for the 2024 season. With a total of 12 new models approved, the league aims to offer players better protection following concerning incidents over recent years.
According to insights from NFL.com's senior national columnist Judy Battista, annual testing conducted by the NFL and NFLPA has yielded promising results. Some of the newly introduced helmet designs have demonstrated superior performance compared to previous iterations.
Among the 12 approved models, eight are tailored to specific player positions, catering to quarterbacks, offensive linemen, and defensive linemen. Notably, six of these models have excelled to the extent that players may forego the use of "Guardian Caps," which were previously mandated for practice sessions in 2023.
Battista highlights that five of the new helmets surpassed all predecessors in laboratory tests, marking a significant stride in player protection. Quarterbacks, in particular, will benefit from a choice between two specialized helmets from different manufacturers�Vicis and Riddell�both designed to minimize the impact of head-to-ground collisions, a common cause of quarterback concussions.
Despite these advancements, player enthusiasm for position-specific helmets remains lukewarm, with only a handful of quarterbacks opting for tailored designs last season. However, the expanded variety of helmets for 2024 may facilitate a more personalized selection process, potentially boosting player uptake and satisfaction.
| POLL | ||
10 AVRIL | 39 ANSWERS NFL Helmets: 12 New Models Approved for 2024 Season, huge upgrade Do you believe the introduction of new helmets will significantly reduce head injuries in NFL players? | ||
| Yes | 25 | 64.1 % |
| No | 14 | 35.9 % |
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