Latest news with #Schutt
Hindustan Times
16 hours ago
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
Why Aaron Rodgers' iconic helmet Schutt Air XP Q11 was banned
Aaron Rodgers must adapt to the Pittsburgh Steelers team and playbook, as well as to a new helmet. Ever since his arrival in the NFL in 2005, Rodgers has preferred to wear a Schutt helmet. Most recently, he wore the Schutt Air XP Q11 model when he played for the New York Jets last season. But the helmet is banned now, and he will have to look for a new one to take the field for the Steelers when September rolls around. But the big question is, why was the helmet model banned in the first place? The Schutt Air XP Q11 was already marked as "not recommended" for NFL players in 2024, but Aaron Rodgers still chose to wear it for the season. Since then, the league's safety committee has completely disqualified it. According to NFL Chief Football Administrative Officer Dawn Aponte, the move is part of a broader initiative to enhance player protection and reduce head injuries that are common but dangerous in the sport. 'As helmet technology continues to improve, widespread adoption among players continues to make a difference. Equipment staff at the club level serve a critical role in helping players understand the current offerings and work with them to select an option that levels up protection and offers a great fit,' Aponte said on the matter. As recently as 2022, the Schutt Air XP Q11 helmet was one of the top-performing head protection equipment. This just goes to show how rapidly the safety standards change in the NFL. Aaron Rodgers is certainly not happy with the NFL banning his preferred helmet, and he has not kept it a secret. He spoke on the matter in his first press conference as a Pittsburgh Steelers player. 'I can't stand the helmet. I've worn a Schutt for 20 years and somehow it finally didn't pass the safety standards,' he told reporters. While a change in helmets might be a minor inconvenience for most young players, it is not for Rodgers. He is already 41, and at this point in his career, familiarity and comfort play a big part. But he will have to deal with an unfamiliar environment both on the team and now on the equipment front.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Aaron Rodgers Has a Major Complaint about Steelers Practice
PITTSBURGH — Something about Aaron Rodgers looked different at the Pittsburgh Steelers' mandatory minicamp on Tuesday. Sure, he was wearing black and gold in front of the masses for the first time. And, of course, Rodgers looked sharp as he fired spirals around the practice field. But, instead of his customary Schutt Air XP Q11 helmet, Rodgers donned Schutt's F7 Pro helmet as he zipped passes to DK Metcalf, Pat Freiermuth, and Calvin Austin. The lid didn't hug his head the right way. Advertisement 'I can't stand the helmet,' Rodgers said after the Steelers' practice. 'I've worn a Schutt for 20 years. Somehow it finally didn't pass the safety standards.' The Air XP Q11 is one of seven newly prohibited helmets, along with Riddell's Foundation, Speed Icon, Speed, and Revolution Speed Classic models. Xenith's Epic+ and Epic variations are also banned. The Air XP Q11 was categorized as 'not recommended' for player use last season, but Rodgers still wore it out of familiarity. New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers during a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Oct. 20, 2024. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now The description on Schutt's website says the F7 Pro, the model Rodgers wore on Tuesday, 'boasts a sleek, automotive-inspired rear diffuser, allowing the helmet to sit lower on the back of the head, enhancing fit and comfort.' Advertisement Certor Sports CEO Jerry Erspamer labeled the F7 Pro the 'most innovative helmet Schutt has ever designed, and considering the brand's historic impact on the game of football, I do not say that lightly.' The pods within the helmet are designed to adapt to the wearer's head shape. Not for Rodgers, apparently. 'I hope so,' Rodgers said when asked if he was going to try a new helmet. This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Aaron Rodgers Has a Major Complaint about Steelers Practice Related Headlines
Time of India
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
Aaron Rodgers' helmet drama overshadows Steelers debut as NFL bans longtime gear of choice
Aaron Rodgers' NFL comeback with the Pittsburgh Steelers faces an unexpected hurdle (Imagn Images) Aaron Rodgers may have finally inked a one-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers, but the quarterback isn't completely at ease as he prepares for his 2025 NFL comeback. While fans are still wrapping their heads around seeing the four-time MVP in black and gold, Rodgers is grappling with a very personal equipment crisis — the NFL has banned his favorite helmet model just ahead of the season. The NFL's crackdown leaves Aaron Rodgers scrambling for new gear During his first press conference as a Steeler, Rodgers didn't hold back when asked about the NFL's updated helmet guidelines. His frustration was clear, and for good reason — the league recently banned the Schutt Air XP Q11 helmet, Rodgers' trusted gear for over two decades. ' I can't stand the [new] helmet,' Rodgers admitted. 'I've worn a Schutt for 20 years and somehow it finally didn't pass the safety standards.' The Schutt Air XP Q11 was already marked as "not recommended" in 2024 and has since been completely disqualified by the league's safety committee. According to NFL Chief Football Administrative Officer Dawn Aponte, the move is part of a broader initiative to enhance player protection and reduce head injuries. 'As helmet technology continues to improve, widespread adoption among players continues to make a difference,' Aponte said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Egypt: New Small Electric Car For Seniors. Prices Might Surprise You. Electric Cars | Search Ads Undo 'Equipment staff at the club level serve a critical role in helping players understand the current offerings and work with them to select an option that levels up protection and offers a great fit.' The irony? Rodgers' previously trusted helmet had been considered a "Top-Performing" model as recently as 2022 — a sharp reminder of how rapidly safety standards and technology are evolving in the league. For Rodgers, who will turn 42 later this year, switching helmets isn't just a minor inconvenience. It's a major adjustment at a point in his career where comfort and consistency could make all the difference. With training camp looming and the spotlight burning even brighter in Pittsburgh, Rodgers now faces the task of adapting to unfamiliar equipment while attempting to lead the Steelers into playoff contention. Also Read: Will the Steelers regret signing Aaron Rodgers before Thanksgiving, as predicted by a former Jets GM? The veteran signed a one-year deal worth $13.65 million, with an additional $5.85 million in incentives. Coming off a solid 2024 season with the Jets — 3,897 passing yards, 28 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions — expectations are sky-high. Whether a new helmet will throw him off his rhythm remains to be seen.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
"I can't stand the helmet": Aaron Rodgers pressured into helmet switch following NFL safety ban in lead-up to Pittsburgh Steelers debut
Aaron Rodgers (via Getty Images) Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, newly signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers, will not be donning his long-time helmet this season. The National Football League has officially prohibited the Schutt Air XP Pro Q11 LTD helmet, a model Aaron Rodgers had worn consistently throughout his two-decade playing career. The four-time NFL MVP, who is in his 21st season, was resolute in his displeasure with the change being imposed upon him this week during the Steelers' minicamp. Aaron Rodgers starts Pittsburgh Steelers chapter with unwelcome helmet change Aaron Rodgers' return to the Pittsburgh Steelers has set off headlines—except it's not all about his on-field comeback. The 40-year-old quarterback was forced to bid an unhappy farewell to his signature helmet because of a new NFL safety policy that prohibited several older models found to be unsafe. The Schutt Air XP Pro Q11 LTD, the personal equipment of Aaron Rodgers in the past few years, such as with the New York Jets, is now added to the banned list after the league's yearly helmet safety test. Aaron Rodgers was seen sporting a Schutt F7 Pro model during his first official Steelers practice, a helmet that complies with updated NFL standards. But he didn't mince words when asked about the transition. "I can't stand the helmet," Rodgers said candidly. "I've worn a Schutt for 20 years and somehow it finally didn't pass the safety standards." Rodgers Wants His Old Helmet Back 😭 The NFL and NFL Players Association collective safety committee eliminated seven helmet models this off-season, including Rodgers' model and other popular ones such as the Riddell Speed and Xenith Epic+. The action is part of a continued effort to improve player safety in light of increasing concerns regarding concussions and long-term brain damage. Rodgers is no stranger to such alterations, however. In 2019, he had to make a helmet switch after another prohibition, though he was more gracious then, complimenting the better fit and craftsmanship of helmets made today. Also read: Will the Steelers regret signing Aaron Rodgers before Thanksgiving, as predicted by a former Jets GM? With training camp imminent and preseason preparations heating up, a decision will be forthcoming soon. As Aaron Rodgers starts this critical chapter with the Pittsburgh Steelers, a fresh helmet could be a modest but telling change in a season already fraught with promise.
New York Post
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- New York Post
The one thing Aaron Rodgers ‘can't stand' about his Steelers start
It's been an offseason of change for Aaron Rodgers. From signing with the Steelers to revealing his marriage in a minicamp bombshell, the 41-year-old quarterback is adapting to the new — even if he isn't thrilled about every aspect of it. 'I can't stand the [new] helmet,' Rodgers said Tuesday. 'I've worn a Schutt for 20 years and somehow it finally didn't pass the safety standards.' 3 Aaron Rodgers sporting a helmet that he's not used to. Getty Images Rodgers, in his first minicamp appearance with the Steelers, appeared to wear the Schutt F7 Pro model Tuesday, according to USA Today. The four-time league MVP previously wore the Schutt Air XP Pro Q11 LTD, a model 'not recommended' by the league last season because of its safety standards and recommendations. For the 2025-26 season, though, the league has moved Rodgers' beloved helmet into the 'newly prohibited' section of the helmet list. 3 Aaron Rodgers at Steelers mincamp. Getty Images 'The NFL and NFLPA, through their respective appointed biomechanical experts and the joint engineering and equipment safety committee, annually coordinate extensive laboratory research to evaluate which helmets best reduce head impact severity,' the NFL's statement regarding helmet testing reads. 'The results of those tests, which are generally supported by on-field performance, are set forth on this poster.' Rodgers signed a one-year, $13.65 million deal with the Steelers last week ahead of mandatory minicamp. 3 Aaron Rodgers wearing his older, preferred model of helmet. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST His arrival in Pittsburgh continues to make headlines as it was revealed during a media session Tuesday that he has been married for 'a couple of months.' His spouse has not yet been revealed. Now, he's in the process of finding the perfect fit for his first season in black and gold. Rodgers spent the past two years with the Jets.
