Aaron Rodgers, Quarterback for the Steelers, expresses dislike for his spaceship-style helmet
Aaron Rodgers, the 41-year-old quarterback, is in search of a new helmet for the upcoming 2025 NFL season, as his longtime preferred Schutt Air XP Pro Q11 LTD model has been banned due to new league safety standards.
Rodgers, who is now with the Pittsburgh Steelers, has tried the Schutt Air XP Pro VTD II model, but he finds it uncomfortable, describing it as a "damn spaceship" with a face mask that doesn't fit properly. This complicates his search for a helmet that balances updated safety, aerodynamics, and mobility.
The NFL has removed seven helmet models from its approved list to enforce tougher safety standards, limiting teams to just 10 approved models. This change forced Rodgers to switch after 20 years of using the same helmet.
Rodgers has expressed concern about how new helmets may affect his vision and maneuverability, critical factors for his performance as a quarterback. The new helmets' bulk and poor fit (especially with older facemasks) have led to discomfort and less optimal handling, which he is trying to resolve.
The Steelers and Aaron Rodgers will begin their new season against the New York Jets on September 7, at the Meadowlands, with the game starting at 1:00 PM ET. Reports from training camp suggest positive performance from Rodgers, but no specific details were provided about his performance with the Steelers during the mentioned time frame.
It is worth noting that last year, Aaron Rodgers played for the New York Jets, replacing a quarterback tandem of Justin Fields and Russell Wilson. However, the Steelers have not seen competent quarterback play in the better part of a decade.
The NFL has also experimented with new helmet prototypes to minimize head injuries, but it remains to be seen whether any of these will meet Rodgers' standards for comfort and fit. The Steelers' wardrobe department is also experimenting with new headgear for the upcoming season.
Players may not want a helmet that limits their ability to see or run speed, and this is a concern for Rodgers as he navigates his helmet selection process. As of now, Rodgers is still actively testing options and adjusting, with the Steelers’ coaching staff planning to evaluate his performance with the new gear in upcoming practices.
[1] NFL.com [2] ESPN.com [3] SportsIllustrated.com [4] ProFootballTalk.nbcsports.com [5] USA Today
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