Steelers Now
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers made it clear during his media availability this past week that he’s not fond of his new helmet. Instead of his customary Schutt Air XP Q11 helmet, Rodgers donned Schutt’s F7 Pro helmet as he zipped passes to DK Metcalf, Pat Freiermuth, and Calvin Austin. The lid didn’t hug his head the right way.
“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.”
The Air XP Q11 is one of seven newly prohibited helmets, along with Riddell’s Foundation, Speed Icon, Speed, and Revolution Speed Classic models. Xenith’s Epic+ and Epic variations are also banned. The Air XP Q11 was categorized as “not recommended” for player use last season, but Rodgers still wore it out of familiarity.
In an interview with Andrew Vazquez of Steelers Wire, Certor Sports CEO Jeremy Erspamer, the company behind the Schutt F7 model, responded to Rodgers’ frustration over the new helmet and the banning of his old model.
“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.”
The description on Schutt’s website says the F7 Pro, the model Rodgers wore at minicamp, “boasts a sleek, automotive-inspired rear diffuser, allowing the helmet to sit lower on the back of the head, enhancing fit and comfort.”
Certor Sports CEO Jerry Erspamer labeled the F7 Pro the “most innovative helmet Schutt has ever designed, and considering the brand’s historic impact on the game of football, I do not say that lightly.”
The pads within the helmet are designed to adapt to the wearer’s head shape. Not for Rodgers, apparently.
“I hope so,” Rodgers said when asked if he was going to try a new helmet.
Alan Saunders and Brendan Howe contributed reporting for this story.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: CEO Who Made New Helmet Model Responds to Aaron Rodgers’ Frustration
