Latest news with #CertorSports
Business Wire
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Business Wire
VICIS, Schutt Helmets Top Updated Virginia Tech Football Safety Ratings
PLAINVIEW, Ind.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--This week, the Virginia Tech Helmet Lab recalibrated its helmet testing protocols to better reflect how well helmets manage impacts tied to concussion risk, and both VICIS and Schutt helmets continue to meet and exceed these more rigorous safety standards while other popular models drop in rating. "We are proud that VICIS and Schutt helmets continue to set the gold standard as we protect the future of the game." - Jeremy Erspamer, CEO of Certor Sports, parent company of Schutt and VICIS. Share This shift aims to ensure that 5-star ratings reflect only the most advanced protection available. As a result, the number of youth football helmets earning a 5-star rating decreased by more than 75%, with only six helmets earning a top rating. The VICIS ZERO2 Youth helmet now remains among one of only two 5-star-rated youth helmets readily available for purchase. 'These updated ratings are monumental for football safety at every level,' said Jeremy Erspamer, CEO of Certor Sports, parent company of Schutt and VICIS. 'They re-establish what it means to be a top-performing helmet and provide a clearer roadmap for parents and coaches to choose the best protection for their athletes. We are proud that VICIS and Schutt helmets continue to set the gold standard as we protect the future of the game.' Virginia Tech's STAR (Summation of Tests for the Assessment of Risk) system evaluates helmets based on how well they reduce head acceleration in sports-specific impact scenarios tied to concussion risk. With stricter thresholds, only helmets with exceptional performance now earn the highest 5-star designation. Virginia Tech Helmet Lab only recommends players wear helmets that receive a 5-star or 4-star rating. In the Youth Football Helmet category, the VICIS ZERO2 Youth earned a 5-star rating, placing it in the top tier for impact protection. Multiple Schutt helmets received a 4-star rating, reaffirming the brand's reputation among parents, coaches, and programs seeking elite-level head protection. In the Varsity Football Helmet category, only 11 varsity helmets received 5 stars, including four from Certor Sports, the most of any other brand. The VICIS ZERO2 and VICIS ZERO2 TRENCH remain standout performers, both earning a 5-star rating under the tightened benchmarks. The Schutt F7 2.0 was recognized for its superior impact severity reduction, also receiving a 5-star rating. 'These new ratings should be a wake-up call with Virginia Tech no longer recommending some of the most commonly used helmets in youth and varsity football,' Erspamer said. 'Just because a helmet is widely used doesn't mean it's the safest. This should be a moment of reckoning for the entire football ecosystem, from manufacturers to coaches and parents. We owe it to young athletes to go beyond familiarity and focus on verified protection.' Certor Sports' continued innovation and leadership in protective design ensures that its helmets consistently rank among the safest in the game, an achievement made more meaningful by the raised bar. To learn more about VICIS helmets, visit and to learn more about Schutt helmets, visit Certor Sports, LLC, located in Plainfield, Indiana, is a domestic sporting goods manufacturer and parent company for leading protective and equipment brands, including VICIS, Schutt Sports, and TUCCI. From protection to performance, Certor Sports has developed emerging technologies used by MVP-caliber professionals to youth athletes competing each weekend. To learn more, visit
Yahoo
18-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
CEO behind Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers' F7 Pro helmet responds to veteran frustration
Old habits die hard — and this couldn't be more true than for Aaron Rodgers, who had his longtime helmet model banned by the NFL this offseason. Rodgers wasn't thrilled about the switch to the newer, safer, and more innovative F7 Pro — and let reporters know about it at media availability. Advertisement I recently had the opportunity to interview Certor Sports CEO Jeremy Erspamer about the F7 Pro model — and here's what he had to say in regard to veteran players, like Rodgers, giving up their old helmets: 'I feel for players like Aaron Rodgers,' Erspamer said. 'He's worn that same helmet model basically his entire career. As he said, he's never been hurt in it. I'm sure it feels like an old friend when he puts it on his head. I completely understand, from a player's perspective, that potentially causing frustration. I also understand the desire of the NFL — and for us, as helmet manufacturers — trying to develop new technology. Technology is evolving probably quicker than most people think. And the ability to protect athletes better comes along with that.' Rodgers will have plenty of time this offseason to adjust to the state-of-the-art F7 Pro — but his feedback remains valuable to Erspamer and Certor Sports as they refine both existing and in-development models. For up-to-date Steelers coverage, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like. This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers' helmet comments draws response from CEO
USA Today
14-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
6 Steelers to follow in Aaron Rodgers' F7 Pro helmet footsteps for 2025 season
6 Steelers to follow in Aaron Rodgers' F7 Pro helmet footsteps for 2025 season Aaron Rodgers may have had his favorite helmet banned by the NFL — but his new F7 Pro model selection may be spreading through the Steelers locker room. I recently had the opportunity to interview Certor Sports CEO Jeremy Erspamer about their innovative new helmet design — and he named six Steelers set to wear the F7 Pro alongside Rodgers. Here are the six players sporting the new model this season: Roman Wilson The second-year Steelers wideout didn't have the rookie season he would've liked last year, but that isn't stopping him from wearing the new and innovative F7 Pro. Joey Porter Jr. The walking definition of a physical, lockdown man-coverage cornerback, Joey Porter Jr. will be the first Steelers DB to wear the F7 Pro in 2025. Troy Fautanu Troy Fautanu may not have ended his rookie season on his own terms, but he'll look to make a huge impact in Year 2 — while also rocking the F7 Pro in 2025. Jack Sawyer One of the biggest steals of the 2025 NFL Draft is rocking the F7 Pro this season — Jack Sawyer will look to serve as the latest proof that the Steelers are fantastic at scouting the OLB position. Kenneth Gainwell One of the most underrated of the Steelers' offseason additions, Kenneth Gainwell is set to wear the new F7 Pro — and will look to make a huge impact alongside fellow RBs Jaylen Warren and rookie Kaleb Johnson. T.J. Watt T.J. Watt is the biggest name Erspamer mentioned — and while he may not have shown off the state-of-the-art model at OTAs or mandatory minicamp due to his holdout, hopefully fans will get to see him rocking the F7 Pro in practice soon enough.
USA Today
14-06-2025
- Business
- USA Today
CEO behind Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers' F7 Pro helmet responds to veteran frustration
CEO behind Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers' F7 Pro helmet responds to veteran frustration Old habits die hard — and this couldn't be more true than for Aaron Rodgers, who had his longtime helmet model banned by the NFL this offseason. Rodgers wasn't thrilled about the switch to the newer, safer, and more innovative F7 Pro — and let reporters know about it at media availability. I recently had the opportunity to interview Certor Sports CEO Jeremy Erspamer about the F7 Pro model — and here's what he had to say in regard to veteran players, like Rodgers, giving up their old helmets: 'I feel for players like Aaron Rodgers,' Erspamer said. 'He's worn that same helmet model basically his entire career. As he said, he's never been hurt in it. I'm sure it feels like an old friend when he puts it on his head. I completely understand, from a player's perspective, that potentially causing frustration. I also understand the desire of the NFL — and for us, as helmet manufacturers — trying to develop new technology. Technology is evolving probably quicker than most people think. And the ability to protect athletes better comes along with that.' Rodgers will have plenty of time this offseason to adjust to the state-of-the-art F7 Pro — but his feedback remains valuable to Erspamer and Certor Sports as they refine both existing and in-development models. For up-to-date Steelers coverage, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like.
