A remarkable technological advancement in college football may soon revolutionize the game, as a viral video emerged on Wednesday featuring LSU Tigers football players wearing air-conditioned helmets.
That’s right…air-conditioned helmets!
The footage showcases the players’ enthusiastic reactions to the new headgear, hinting at a potential game-changer for athlete performance.
These LSU helmets have AC in them 🤯
(via tigeraire/TT) pic.twitter.com/qPii06wRiz
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) May 31, 2023
The helmets are equipped with “Cyclone v2” technology developed by Tigeraire, a Baton Rouge-based company known for its revolutionary airflow acceleration technology designed for football helmets and hard hats.
These innovative helmets, which are said to enhance player comfort, are anticipated to be used during both practices and games in the upcoming 2023 season.
The extreme heat experienced in the southern United States during August and September, especially in locations like Orlando, Florida, Starkville, Mississippi, and Baton Rouge itself, has often posed a challenge for football players.
The introduction of air-conditioned helmets could significantly impact the on-field performance of athletes, helping them maintain their focus and stamina in sweltering conditions.
In the video, defensive lineman Mekhi Wingo expresses his satisfaction, saying, “It feels hella good, actually.” His sentiment is echoed by tight end Mac Markway, who states, “If I’m running in this, I ain’t sweating at all.. It’s like, cold.”
Tigeraire, founded in 2020 with a mission to enhance the comfort of protective equipment, specializes in developing airflow products that improve the performance and productivity of athletes, industrial workers, and military personnel.
The Cyclone v2, their flagship product, is an air accelerator that can be integrated into various protective gear, including football helmets.
The technology is currently compatible with two approved helmet models: the Riddell Speedflex and Schutt F7. Tigeraire emphasizes that their air accelerator is utilized at all levels of football, including professional leagues.
Their website features a testimonial from former LSU receiver Ja’Marr Chase, who attests, “Tigeraire keeps me cool and helps me get my wind back quicker.”
Tigeraire employs the use of the “No. 1 strongest industrial grade plastic” in their products, ensuring durability during regular football games when properly installed. The company asserts that a fully charged Cyclone v2 can last up to four hours before requiring a recharge.
The broader impact of this technological development remains to be seen, but if successful, it may pave the way for similar innovations in football and other sports, ensuring the well-being and performance of athletes in adverse weather conditions.
Regardless, football fans, especially the “getting soft” crowd had a field day with this news on social media…
“Football is getting more soft day by day…”
Football is getting more soft day by day…
— PickensBurgh🫡 (@PickensBurgh) May 31, 2023
“I wonder if something like this will only make the players softer or not as resilient. Sounds great but I have to think about it more I guess.”
Idk man you still gotta get up and workout at 5am hit weights run PRACTICE do school work and support other sports…The work still gotta get done
— 𓁭𓂀 GR3AT Brittain 𓂀𓁬 (@Lemehol_A_dollA) May 31, 2023
“I played college football in extreme heat too. 3 a day practices before the season started. full pads except for night practices etc. I understand all that.”
I played college football in extreme heat too. 3 a day practices before the season started. full pads except for night practices etc. I understand all that.
— JAYFORCE (@Jayforce) May 31, 2023
“If you haven’t experienced louisiana heat what you call extreme heat can’t compare.”
If you haven’t experienced louisiana heat what you call extreme heat can’t compare
— Derrick (@Derrick98026846) June 1, 2023
“I saw this on a high school team the other day. Didn’t think college would allow it. Is it better to reduce heat stroke with AC or more padding to reduce concussions and long term head injuries? Both are bad.”
I saw this on a high school team the other day. Didn’t think college would allow it. Is it better to reduce heat stroke with AC or more padding to reduce concussions and long term head injuries? Both are bad.
— RazorBack-it-up (@Razorback_it_up) June 1, 2023
“Don’t even want to know what they put in their cups.”
— Patrón💸 (@HesiMarks) June 1, 2023