CJ Stroud explains what he likes about new 'astronaut' helmet, makes playful NIL plea

C.J. Stroud isn’t going to follow in-line — he wants to create his own trail. That’s his thought process as it pertains to his new helmet — the Riddell Axiom — delightfully knows as his ‘astronaut’ helmet.

Throughout spring practices, Stroud has been testing out the helmet. When asked about how it performed afterwards, the Ohio State star quarterback theorized that while other’s may tease him for it now, two, three years from now everyone will be rocking one.

“The new helmet, I liked it,” started Stroud. “It’s new, it’s kind of like — it’s odd looking, which I like. I mean, I’m not always looking to be normal, you know what I’m saying? So, I think that’s something — watch, two years, or a year and a half from now, everyone’s going to be wearing a helmet, and nobody is going to be talking messy anymore.

“But I think it’s funny when people make fun of me and stuff, and I don’t really care. I try to always like, I don’t want to say be a trendsetter, but I always try to start things. And it’s comfortable. I think my health is more important than how it looks, you know what I’m saying? So, I don’t ever want to suffer from concussions or things like that, so if they tell me that — I have faith in the EQ guys, and people at Riddell.

“So, holla at me. All NIL deals are welcome. But I think it’s a good helmet. I like it, man. It’s like an astronaut look. I think it’s a cool think. Think that it’s something that people will warm up to.”

Evidently, Stroud is a fan of Riddell’s new helmet — and is welcoming all NIL deals to promote it. Continuing, the Buckeyes star elaborated on what went into his decision to rock the helmet.

“Yeah, I think it was a mixture of both,” responded Stroud, when asked if the helmet is more of a safety or look thing. “I don’t think it’s ugly, I think it’s pretty cool, you know what I’m saying? Like, I don’t think anything of it is ugly. Maybe they could add a top bar. I don’t know. But they’re the experts. They’re the scientists. I mean, I’m saying I could see the whole world with that. I like it.”

His potential is out of this world, and now Stroud has a helmet to match. Finally, the Heisman finalist showed off the helmet to the media, explaining the difference in the new technology.

“Basically like — I don’t know the science to it — but this padding, it’s like really, really comfortable. On my old helmet it wasn’t uncomfortable, but it wasn’t really like — didn’t feel good to me. It was kind of like, hard on my head. So, this one, I can press into it. It’s kind of like memory foam if you ask me,” explained Stroud. “And then on the top, it’s more like, flexible. It bends in more. Then, someone tried to explain to me, the technology, just like not having a top bar, being like able to see more. So there’s just different things like that that I enjoy about it. So, I’m just trying this out. I like it.”

C.J. Stroud — star quarterback, trendsetter, future NFL signal-caller, Heisman finalists and now, helmet enthusiast. The Buckeyes quarterbacks hope to show off his new look on the grandest stages in college football throughout the 2022 season.