Quarterbacks can be equipped with a new helmet from 2023. The helmet is designed to better cushion the impact of a fall to the ground, according to the NFL and the players’ union NFLPA.

The NFL continues to fight the rising number of concussions. Now quarterbacks can be equipped with an improved helmet in the new season, the NFL and the players’ union NFLPA announced.

Because according to the league, half of all concussions suffered by quarterbacks occur when they hit the ground with their helmets on. The new helmet is supposed to cushion the violent impacts, they say. That’s what the specific tests showed, with the helmet performing seven percent better than the most popular helmet worn by quarterbacks last season.

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Concussions were once again in the spotlight in 2022, partly due to Dolphins playmaker Tua Tagovailoa, who suffered two concussions last season and missed the playoffs as a result, among other things. In the meantime, there were also rumours about a possible career end.

In 2022, the number of concussions increased by about 18 per cent, according to The Athletic, with 60 per cent of the increase caused by quarterbacks and special teams. In the wake of the Tua injuries, the Concussion Protocol framework has been significantly tightened, which may explain part of the increase.

Parallel to this, the NFL and NFLPA continue to work on improved helmets. Helmets for offensive and defensive linemen were introduced as early as 2021. The NFL provides a lot of data and video material for the development of head protection.

“Helmets that are tailored to the experience of a specific position promote player safety,” said Jeff Miller, NFL vice president of player health and safety.

“This is the next development in a rapidly evolving market for enhanced helmets. We are proud to provide the data necessary to design and manufacture better equipment. “