Football is an intense contact sport and one of the most important pieces of safety equipment players use is a quality helmet. It’s no secret that NFL players use multiple helmets throughout the season in order to stay as safe and protected as possible. While most people are familiar with this necessity, few really understand just how many helmets NFL players use.
In the NFL, helmets are much more than a simple accessory. Not only do they provide vital protection against serious facial and head injuries, but they also offer additional benefits like vision shielding and noise reduction. But most importantly, they help ensure that the players remain healthy and competitive throughout the season.
It may surprise you to learn that the NFL actually requires its players to switch up their helmets every three months. This three-month timeline is critical for the protection of the players, since helmets can become outdated and less efficient over prolonged periods of time. This means that NFL players can easily go through more than eight helmets in the course of a single season.
But why do NFL players need to switch helmets so often? It all starts with helmet technology, which is constantly evolving. Each time a new innovation is added to a helmet, players must switch to maximize their protection. For example, the introduction of the Next Gen helmet technology changed the way helmets were designed and constructed. Hence, each new version requires a new helmet to take advantage of the latest breakthroughs in safety technology.
The helmets themselves are also constantly in a state of flux. Unlike other sports equipment, helmets are more delicate and require frequent maintenance and upkeep. The pads and straps might become frayed or weakened over time, making it useless and hazardous to wear. The straps alone need to be replaced regularly to ensure the proper fit and tension of the helmet.
The league also has regulatory procedures in place to ensure that all helmets meet their safety requirements. Any helmets that are deemed too outdated must be replaced before the start of the season, or any significant changes to the team’s roster. This is done to make sure that all of the players are using the safest and most up-to-date helmets available.
When it comes down to it, the NFL mandates a strict helmet-swapping cycle to maximize player safety and performance. Players can easily go through multiple helmets in a season to make sure they’re playing with the best available protection. While it might seem like overkill to the average person, it’s necessary for all NFL players to stay healthy and competitive.
Now that we know how many helmets NFL players use, let’s talk about the quality of the helmets. Helmets in the NFL are manufactured with the highest standards and are held to a higher standard than other helmets. The inner lining is designed to be impact resistant and fit snugly to the player’s head. It also includes adjustable straps to ensure that the helmet is properly fitted to every individual player. Additionally, all helmets must pass bi-annual inspections by the league and its independent safety experts to make sure they are providing adequate protection for the player.
Moreover, all NFL helmets are designed with a specific ‘size’ in mind. They come in a range of small, medium, and large sizes so that each player can find a helmet that fits them properly. Every helmet also includes a specialized air circulation system that helps reduce the risk of heat exhaustion and heat-related injuries.
The NFL takes helmet safety very seriously and requires all helmets to be tested, approved, and certified by the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment. All NFL helmets must pass certain tests to assess their durability, impact absorption, and general safety. To this end, the NFL has instituted a rule which states that any helmet that is older than 10 years must be immediately replaced.
Finally, let’s discuss helmet maintenance. The NFL mandates a maintenance schedule that is designed to ensure that all helmets are in optimal condition. This includes cleaning and inspecting the helmets frequently and making sure that all of the straps and pads are intact. All helmets must also be replaced every three months to make sure that they are up to SNELL standards.
Overall, NFL players use several helmets throughout the course of the season. From replacing outdated models to ensuring proper fit and maintenance, the NFL is committed to creating a safe and competitive environment. Helmet safety should always be taken seriously and the NFL is doing its best to make sure its players are staying safe and playing at their optimum levels.