As excitement builds for the upcoming NFL Draft, another notable development is taking place behind the scenes – one that could affect the gear worn by some of the league’s top players.
Heading into the 2025 season, the NFL has implemented a new set of safety regulations, including a rule banning the use of seven specific helmet models.
This rule affects several popular helmets, including the Riddell Foundation, Riddell Speed Icon, Riddell Speed, Riddell Revolution Speed Classic, Schutt Air XP Pro Q11 LTD, Xenith Epic+, and Xenith Epic.
Notably, this change will have a direct impact on veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who will need to find a new helmet for the upcoming season. (Assuming he doesn’t retire.)
The four-time MVP and future Hall of Famer wore one of the banned helmets – the Schutt Air XP Pro Q11 LTD – during the 2024 season.
However, this isn’t the first time the league has forced players to switch helmets due to safety concerns.
Back in 2019, Rodgers had to change his helmet after the NFL’s Collective Bargaining Agreement prohibited his previous model.
Despite the switch, Rodgers did not express much concern, and he spoke positively about the change during that offseason.
“It’s not difficult at all,” Rodgers said at the time. “I was wearing the one like [Brett Favre] was wearing for so long. That was a little outdated, probably, and then I think around that time when the CBA got signed, they had some better regulations about the safety quality of the helmets, and I’ve just kind of been up to date for years.
“Last year, my helmet – because there’s been such advancements in helmet safety – my helmet was in the not-as-safe category but anybody wearing that got one more year to find a new helmet. I knew coming in I was going to have to change.”
Despite some fans often labeling him as one of the NFL’s most controversial figures, Rodgers appears to take the league’s player-safety initiatives in stride, showing flexibility with the rules.
As the NFL continues its push for better player protection, this latest helmet regulation is part of the league’s ongoing efforts to minimize concussions.
In fact, concussion rates dropped significantly during the 2024 season, reflecting the success of these safety measures.
As the 2025 season approaches, Rodgers and other affected players will have to find new helmets that comply with the NFL’s safety standards – or risk facing penalties.
Again, this is all assuming that Rodgers decides to continue playing.
There are rumblings that his hesitation to sign with the Steelers is because he much prefers joining the Vikings or 49ers – if either would have him … At the end of the day, where do YOU think Rodgers will end up???
