All articles tagged with #concussion prevention
The NFL will introduce five new helmet models for the 2024 season, deemed safer than any previously used, following rigorous safety testing. Six older models are no longer permitted due to failing to meet safety standards. The league will also introduce position-specific helmets to better protect players from position-specific head impacts, and will provide testing results in locker rooms to aid players in choosing the safest option.
The NFL and NFL Players Association have identified five newly developed helmet models that outperformed all existing helmets in laboratory testing, with eight of the 12 new models being position-specific for quarterbacks or offensive/defensive linemen. The league and union's annual testing will lead to about 10% of players being required to change their preferred helmet models, with some players no longer needing to wear protective Guardian Caps during practices due to the high performance of certain helmets. The pace of innovation in helmet technology and the level of position specificity offered by manufacturers have been highlighted, with the goal of improving player safety and reducing the risk of concussions.
The NFL's competition committee has proposed a revamped kickoff rule resembling the XFL's alignment, aiming to increase return rates and reduce concussions, while also suggesting a ban on the hip-drop tackling technique. Other proposed rule changes include adding reviewable plays, expanding crackback block rules, and allowing teams to use a practice squad quarterback as an emergency No. 3 quarterback. These proposals will be considered by NFL owners at their annual league meeting next week.