Aaron Rodgers debuts Schutt Air XP Pro VTD II helmet after NFL bans his old gear
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has arrived at the training camp field donning a new piece of gear: the Schutt Air XP Pro VTD II helmet, equipped with a custom F7 pro facemask.
This marks a significant transition for the All-Pro player, who had to abandon his former helmet after the
NFL
banned it prior to the 2025 season. The information was first revealed through a post from @_MLFootball on X, which announced, "NEWS: #Steelers All-Pro quarterback Aaron Rodgers is using a new helmet this season.",
Why Aaron Rodgers' new helmet still falls in the NFL's yellow safety category
Aaron Rodgers has switched to a new helmet, the Schutt Air XP Pro VTD II, which combines a sense of familiarity with compliance to NFL regulations.
It features a custom F7 pro facemask, crafted to mirror elements of his previous gear while still meeting the league's safety standards. NFL insider Mike Garafolo pointed out this change on X, explaining that Rodgers opted for this helmet after trying out several others, as it's "closer in design to his old one.
" Although it's not listed among the NFL's top-recommended helmets, it is categorized as "yellow," meaning it's "not recommended but allowed"; this legal option lets Rodgers keep some comfort while playing.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Own a Freehold Property in Dubai — 10-Year Visa Included
Binghatti Developers FZE
Read More
Undo
The switch wasn't a personal decision. Rodgers' old helmet, the Schutt Air XP Q11, was one of seven models that the NFL banned this offseason. Each year, the league, in collaboration with the NFL Players Association, carries out a helmet performance and safety study to assess equipment based on lab tests and concussion statistics.
Helmets that don't meet the new safety standards are gradually removed, going from 'not recommended' to 'prohibited.'
The Schutt Air XP Q11, which was allowed in the past despite mediocre ratings, didn't pass the safety tests this year.
Aaron Rodgers criticizes new helmet after two decades with Schutt
Aaron Rodgers has made it clear that he's not happy. At a press conference during the Steelers' minicamp, he expressed his frustrations to the reporters, stating, "I can't stand the [new] helmet. I've worn a Schutt for 20 years and somehow it finally didn't pass the safety standards".
His journey to the Schutt Air XP Pro VTD II wasn't straightforward, he first tested the Schutt F7 Pro, a highly rated model, but found it lacking.
'I can't stand the helmet,' he talked again about the F7 Pro before transitioning to the Air XP Pro VTD II during training camp. While it's not the best option, it gives him a vibe similar to his old Q11, blending familiarity with adaptability.
Also Read:
Justin Jefferson sends bold message to J.J. McCarthy before their first snap together in Minnesota Vikings
With training camp going strong and the 2025 season about to kick off in September, Rodgers has the chance to break in his new Schutt Air XP Pro VTD II. He's decided on it for the moment, but his initial concerns hint that he may need some time to adapt.
For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the
India vs England Test match
here.
Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
28 minutes ago
- Time of India
Ty Gibbs Turns $1M NASCAR In-Season Tournament Challenge Win into a Heartfelt Post-Race Gesture
Image via Imagn: Ty Gibbs Ty Gibbs scored big at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, winning NASCAR's first-ever In-Season Tournament and earning a $1 million prize, along with a black-and-gold trophy, a custom AEW wrestling belt, and a commemorative ring. Gibbs, the sixth seed, beat Ty Dillon in the five-race elimination challenge, finishing 21st while Dillon came in 28th. But here's the catch: Gibbs didn't take all the cash home. So what did he do with it? Ty Gibbs Vows to Donate $10,000 to Charity Following Big Win at Indianapolis Motor Speedway The 22-year-old dominated NASCAR's In-Season Tournament with speed, smart pit stops, and top-10 finishes. In the final, he faced surprise finalist Ty Dillon, the 32nd seed, who upset big names like Denny Hamlin and Brad Keselowski. However, the No. 10 Chevy driver struggled with car damage following a restart incident on Lap 56 and was three laps down in 28th. Dillon's dream run of knocking out Hamlin in the opening round at EchoPark Speedway and Keselowski at the Chicago Street Course ended in Indy, as Gibbs claimed the $1 million prize. However, Gibbs' classy post-race gesture and interview with TNT Sports were the talk of the town. 'Super cool. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 11 Foods That Help In Healing Knee Pain Naturally | Zen Life Mag Undo Very honored to be in this position. Thank you to all of NASCAR and TNT Sports for allowing us to be able to do this. It's awesome to win this and super cool to be in this position. A million bucks is a lot of money. I'm going to give $10,000 to wherever Ty Dillon wants to choose to give to charity.' He also added, 'I told the broadcast in the other show… our sponsor, SAIA, challenged Ty Dillon's sponsor; whoever loses gives ten thousand dollars for Toys for Tots. And I wanna put another ten on top of that. Wherever Ty Dillon wants it to go, it's his choice.' Gibbs was actually referring to a fun sponsor-driven side bet tied to the In-Season Challenge final, where the losing driver's sponsor would donate $10,000 to charity. Ty Dillon is in Good Spirits After Missing Out on $1 Million Prize While Ty Dillon was happy with Ty Gibbs' charitable gesture, it didn't soften the sting of narrowly missing out on the $1 million prize. In an interview with he reflected on his loss but was gracious in defeat. 'It's painful right now that we didn't win the whole thing. But it definitely doesn't overshadow how much this whole run has meant for us and our team, our sponsors. We're grateful, man. It's a good boost of energy. Hopefully, we'll finish out the year strong (he is currently in 32nd place) because of it. I believe in our team and what the future holds. So today was tough, but you know, this run has been really great and I appreciate it. ' Dillon's comments showed respect for the new In-Season Tournament format, which brought fresh energy to NASCAR's mid-season stretch. Despite driving for a smaller outfit like Kaulig Racing, Dillon got a rare month in the NASCAR spotlight. Also read: Valentina Shevchenko Embraces 'Self-Expression' After Bold Move to OnlyFans for Exclusive Content Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Time of India
36 minutes ago
- Time of India
IND vs ENG 4th Test: 'You're not in the battle' - Ex-England batter Kevin Pietersen defends Ben Stokes
Ben Stokes and Kevin Pietersen (Images via Getty Images) The fourth Test at Old Trafford ended in a hard-fought draw, but the closing moments of the match saw emotions run high, especially from England captain Ben Stokes. With the game heading towards an inevitable draw on Day 5, Stokes appeared eager to call off play early. However, India, still chasing personal milestones, declined his offer, leading to a visibly frustrated response from the England skipper. Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar both went on to score centuries, with Stokes even tossing the ball to Harry Brook in an attempt to wrap up proceedings quickly. Brook's gentle delivery was dispatched for six by Jadeja, who brought up his hundred. Later, Brook too offered to call it off before Sundar could complete his ton, but the focus remained firmly on Stokes' reaction. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW Stokes' decision and visible agitation didn't go unnoticed. Former England captain Nasser Hussain remarked, 'Stokes didn't have to bowl Brook, and it looked a bit silly at the end there.' Sanjay Manjrekar, former India batter, went further, calling Stokes' behaviour 'spoiled.' India stay alive, England frustrated after draw; handshake drama at Old Trafford and more But Kevin Pietersen came out strongly in support of his former teammate. Taking to X, the 45-year-old defended Stokes' emotional response, saying, '2 days fielding and no result on the cards - you WANT to get off the field! You cannot have a pop at Ben Stokes for his frustration.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Rare, Refined, and Ready Soon – Monte South is the Answer Monte South A Joint Venture between Adani Realty and Marathon Realty Learn More Undo He continued, 'Very easy to have a pop at him when you're sitting in your lounge watching. You're NOT in the battle. Leave the men in the ring to be emotional.' Kevin Pietersen on X (Screengrab) Pietersen insisted that while Stokes was right to feel agitated, it shouldn't take away from India's batting effort. 'The Stokes issue should NOT distract from the batters who batted to save the Test Match! Outstanding effort and one which makes The Oval a very important Test.' Poll Do you think Ben Stokes was justified in his frustration during the Test match? Yes, he had every right. No, he overreacted. The draw leaves the series finely balanced heading into the final Test at The Oval. India will be on a high, buoyed by gritty efforts from KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Jadeja, and Sundar. England, meanwhile, will look to regroup and seal the series with a win. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
IND vs ENG: Ben Stokes breaks silence on his availability for Oval Test: 'Very unlikely...'
England captain Ben Stokes speaks during a press conference at Edgbaston, Birmingham, England, Tuesday July 1, 2025. AP/PTI(AP07_01_2025_000203A) England captain Ben Stokes on Sunday broke his silence about his availability for the fifth and final Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, to be played at The Oval from Thursday. Stokes said he had been suffering from pain in his right bicep tendon—on top of various other injuries—as he bowled only 12 overs during India's hard-fought draw at Old Trafford. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! "I don't want to eat my words, but the likelihood I won't play is very unlikely," said Stokes. "Mentally, I'm decent. Physically, I've been better." "It's been a pretty big workload so far in this series," said the England captain. "It was another big week in the third Test at Lord's, and the same again this week. Pain is just an emotion, so it's just one of those things. "It's my bicep tendon. It's had a lot of workload. It's a lot of time in the middle doing my job. It didn't get any worse. Hopefully, it settles down and will be as good as gold for the last game." Ben Stokes press conference: On handshake controversy, India fightback, his own fitness Stokes is the leading wicket-taker on either side in the England-India series with 17 wickets—his most successful bowling return across a 12-year Test career. The 140 overs he has bowled in the series is also the highest workload of his career. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Before Dying, My Husband Said, I'm Sorry. I Asked For What. You'll See. Then This Happened Novelodge Undo "It's been a big five or six weeks,' he said. 'I will always give everything I possibly can. I ask the guys to try to run through a brick wall for the team, and I will always try to do the same and lead by example. Bowling and being in the field is tough work, so I am pretty sore. Poll Will Ben Stokes play in the final Test against India? Yes, he will play No, he won't play Still undecided Depends on his recovery 'I think everyone is going to be pretty similar: shut it down, rest up, and give themselves the best chance of selection. I won't hide away from the fact that it has been a tough few days, especially for the bowling unit. We like to get our team out a couple of days before, but we might have to take longer to give everyone as much time as possible to recover. 'We are going in 2-1 up, but we want to put in that one last big performance. We kept saying today: one last push before one last push next week. There is a lot of hard work still to go in this series.' Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
