"NFL Approves Record-Breaking Helmets, Bans Six Others in Major Safety Update"
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.