Topline
The NFL and its players’ union approved a new quarterback-specific helmet Thursday designed to slightly cut the risk of concussion, according to an announcement by the league, as the NFL faces scrutiny after the number of concussions last season increased 18%.
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa suffered two concussions in less than a week last season.
Key Facts
The Zero2 Matrix QB is the first quarterback-specific helmet approved for NFL use, and it performed 7% better in laboratory testing than the most popular helmet used by quarterbacks last season, according to the NFL.
Jason Neubauer, vice president of product development for manufacturer Vicis, told the Associated Press the helmet is meant to reduce the severity of helmet-to-ground impacts—which the NFL said are responsible for half of all concussions suffered by quarterbacks.
The helmet has a “deformal outer shell,” which allows the helmet to “deform or basically dent” to absorb impacts, Neubauer added.
The NFL has already approved helmets designed for offensive and defensive linemen, which the league says are among the most used by both position groups.
Big Number
149. That’s the number of concussions suffered over 271 regular-season games last year, according to the NFL, an 18% increase over the previous year’s total (126). By comparison, some 183 concussions were reported in the 2015 regular season.
Key Background
The NFL has been criticized for years over the long-term impact of player injuries, especially repeated head injuries suffered during league games. According to Boston University researchers, 90% of former NFL players have shown signs of the degenerative brain disease chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), which is caused by frequent concussions and leads to depression, suicidal thoughts, aggression and mood swings. In recent years, the NFL has implemented a standardized concussion protocol and changed gameplay rules to lessen the number of hard hits to the head. Despite these efforts, hundreds of concussions are still reported annually. The NFL was criticized last season after Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was cleared to play in a Thursday night game less than a week after sustaining a concussion, and visibly suffered a second concussion on the field. The NFL Player’s Association subsequently fired the independent doctor hired by the league.
Tangent
Most NFL fans have indicated that players suffering head injuries during games does not deter them from tuning in, according to an October survey by Morning Consult. Only 7% of self-identified NFL fans said they were less interested in watching because of head injuries, while 70% said the injuries had “no impact.” Younger viewers are more likely to be deterred, as 38% of Gen Z respondents and 37% of millennials said they would be less interested, compared to 27% and 22% of Gen X and baby boomer respondents, respectively.
Further Reading
First QB Helmet Designed To Help Reduce Concussions Approved (Associated Press)
Football Concussions—The NFL’s Worst Fear—May Be More Likely On Fake Grass Fields, Study Suggests (Forbes)
Most NFL Fans Unfazed By Concussions As Tua Tagovailoa’s Injury Sparks Debate (Forbes)
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/tylerroush/2023/04/13/new-nfl-helmet-cuts-quarterback-concussion-risk-but-only-7-better-than-older-models/