Latest news with #SchuttAirXPQ11
Time of India
6 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Aaron Rodgers debuts Schutt Air XP Pro VTD II helmet after NFL bans his old gear
(Image Source - Getty Images) 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!
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
NFL Forces Rodgers Into Major Change Steelers QB ‘Can't Stand'
NFL Forces Rodgers Into Major Change Steelers QB 'Can't Stand' originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Change can be a hard concept for older players adjusting to the new talent and schemes in the NFL. Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has seen plenty of it in his time at the professional level. Advertisement But one change coming next season has him on edge more than any of those major league-wide shifts. The helmet Rodgers has used for decades, according to his own admission, has been outlawed in favor of a newer model. Specifically, the Schutt Air XP Q11 will be discontinued across the league with the F7 model taking its place. Rodgers made it clear the adjustment won't come easy for him. 'I can't stand the [new] helmet,' Rodgers said. 'I've worn a Schutt for 20 years and somehow it finally didn't pass the safety standards.' Certor Sports CEO Jeremy Erspamer, the leader of the company behind the helmet, has heard those complaints and responded with his sympathies. Advertisement '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. Unfortunately, those feelings do not change the reality of his and the NFL's collective commitment to technology to keep athletes safe. "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 has shown in the last few years that it doesn't take much to make him disagreeable with a franchise. However, the source of his frustration here has some merit. Advertisement There will be no reversal of this decision, however, and Rodgers will have to use the next few months to either find an alternative or make due with these changes. Related: 'Speed of the Game!' Steelers First-Round Draft Pick Reveals Biggest Adjustment Related: Aaron Rodgers Changes His Steelers Playbook In Unique and Old-School Way This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 16, 2025, where it first appeared.
Hindustan Times
15-06-2025
- 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.
Time of India
13-06-2025
- 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.
