The NFL and NFL Players Association have given the green light to eight new position-specific helmets for quarterbacks and linemen. Riddell has crafted two quarterback-specific models, with six tailored for offensive and defensive linemen.
Quarterbacks now have a trio of specialized helmets to choose from, aimed at reducing concussion risk, including the Vicis Zero2 Matrix QB unveiled last year. Joining the lineup are Riddell’s SpeedFlex Precision QB and the Axiom 3D QB.
For linemen, the Vicis Zero2-R Trench was the pioneering position-specific helmet introduced in 2022. This season, a record 12 new helmet designs have been sanctioned, with five models outperforming any previously worn. The NFL and NFLPA undertake annual lab assessments to gauge which helmets offer the most effective head impact mitigation.
NFL executive Jeff Miller highlighted the current surge in innovation, emphasizing the league’s commitment to player safety. Riddell’s Axiom 3D helmet secured the top rating in the recent lab tests.
Riddell’s Axiom collection includes three models—covering all positions, quarterbacks, and linemen. Axiom’s Tru-Fit System utilizes a scanning app to create custom-fit padding, offering personalized protection.
Around half of NFL players opt for a Precision-Fit Riddell helmet, with nearly 77% choosing Riddell models overall. Additionally, 10% use customizable Riddell helmets like the Axiom.
Thad Ide, Riddell’s executive VP of research and development, stressed the meticulous process of ensuring top performance in NFL lab tests. The Axiom 3D utilizes printed lattice materials for precise tuning to meet NFL standards.
The lab test outcomes are shared in team locker rooms, with four helmet posters now available, including one for general use and three detailing performance for quarterbacks, offensive linemen, and defensive linemen. The new Vicis Zero2 Matrix ID QB helmet and Xenith Orbit Pro topped the rankings for their respective positions. Six previously well-performing helmets are barred from use this season.
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