Aaron Rodgers is widely regarded as one of the best quarterbacks currently in the NFL, as affirmed by many analysts and critics. He is now once again gearing up for action once again at the age of 39. On September 11, he’ll be stepping onto the field against the Buffalo Bills, but this time sporting a new jersey as a member of the New York Jets after leaving the Green Bay Packers. While much has changed for Rodgers with his new team, one aspect remains constant, i.e. his helmet controversy.
The issue of Aaron Rodgers’ helmet made headlines in the NFL in the lead-up to the 2018 and 2019 seasons when it was deemed unsafe and required a replacement to continue playing him in the league. Now you might think that changing a helmet wouldn’t be a significant matter, but in the NFL, yes, it is! In Rodgers’ case, his helmet is notably oversized, making it an ongoing topic of conversation.
Aaron Rodgers’ customizable helmet?
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Helmets are a crucial component of a player’s uniform. They must fit perfectly, allowing players to perform at their best against formidable opponents with imposing physiques. However, Aaron Rodgers has spent his almost entire career wearing a noticeably bigger helmet than the required size. His choice has always remained for a personalized helmet. Yes, you heard it right!
A-Rod said in a previous interview with ESPN that he actually designed his own helmet. He does this because he wants his helmet to be as sleek as possible, which could provide him with the best protection available, yet not obstruct his vision while he is playing.
Rodgers has selected his helmet model with great care, particularly in response to objections from NFL experts four years ago.
Aaron Rodgers picked up the brand he invested in?
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In 2019, experts evaluated 45 helmet models, banning 11 of them. Among them, 27 helmets were deemed safe (green zone), while seven fell into the cautionary category (yellow zone). Aaron Rodgers, however, had been using the Schutt AiR XP Pro Model, which was classified as a “red zone.” He adopted this helmet during the 2010 NFL season, following a series of scary concussions he suffered while playing at Ford Field, and later against the Detroit Lions.
This injury briefly interrupted his streak of consecutive NFL starts, but Rodgers returned to lead his team to victory and eventually clinched the NFL championship. Over the years, technology evolved, and the helmet that had served him for eight years became outdated. Consequently, he made the switch to the VICIS Zero1 helmet, which featured enhanced padding and held the highest safety rating in NFL testing for three consecutive years. This helmet is also favored by Broncos QB Russell Wilson.
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Now that Rodgers has embarked on a new chapter with a different team, it’s intriguing to see him in a new helmet this season.
Watch this story: Disgraced Bucs Teammate Antonio Brown Issues an Invitation to Retired Legend Tom Brady for a Watch-a-Long’