NFL reveals new QB-specific helmet designed to prevent concussions, other head injuries

As part of the NFL’s effort to reduce concussions and other head injuries, the league announced the approval of a new position-specific helmet for the 2023 season. The helmet, designed by the VICIS company, is tailor-made for quarterbacks.

Unlike other VICIS helmets, the quarterback helmet has the elements needed to boost support for a player likely to hit their head on the ground.

The company already has lineman-specific helmets out but according to Judy Battista, few linemen have opted to wear them after they hit the market for the 2022 season.

“The thing that distinguishes quarterbacks and their concussions is they have a disproportionate number of head-to-ground impacts that cause concussions,” said Jeff Miller, the NFL’s executive vice president of communications, public affairs and policy.

“This past year we had an increase in the number of quarterback concussions, and it was the same helmet-to-ground dynamic. Many people would say it’s because quarterbacks are scrambling more often, but we didn’t see that. It was still the quarterback in the pocket, getting hit and the head hitting the ground as they were holding onto the ball.”

The quarterback-specific helmet is now supposedly the third-safest among the approved list from the NFL.

Concussions up, total injuries down in NFL in 2022

According to Battista, the NFL saw the number of diagnosed concussions rise by 18% league-wide. Also, much of the rise was due to a spike in concussions suffered by quarterbacks. There were 149 concussions across 271 games, according to data released by the league at the end of the season.

Despite the uptick in concussions, the NFL’s data showed that the total number of all preseason and regular season injuries was down 5.6%.

Not stopping at lineman and quarterback, the next position-specific helmets will likely be for wide receivers and defensive backs. Per Battista, lab tests simulating the impacts those skill players receive — less frequent, but often coming at high speed — could be available in 2024.

Tua Tagovailo turns to Judo in offseason

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, unfortunately, found himself as the 2022 poster boy for the dangers of concussions in the game. The former Alabama star actually turned to judo training this offseason to add another tool to his belt to avoid future concussions. 

The basic principle of the martial art is throwing for takedowns from a standing position. During training, there is an emphasis on “break falling,” an ability to disperse impact once your body hits the ground. The same goes for jiu jitsu, another martial art but a much heavier emphasis on grappling.

Former U.S. Olympic judoka Jason Morris suggested Tagovailoa use judo as the best practical use to go to the ground and avoid head contact.

“We’ve got a plan set up,” Tua said. “I’ll be doing Judo on Fridays just so that I can kind of figure out understanding my body and how to fall. . . . Just trying to help myself.”

Despite the head injuries, Tagovailoa had the best season, statistically, of his career. He threw for 3,548 yards, 25 touchdowns, eight interceptions and a 64.8% completion percentage.

On3’s Nick Kosko contributed to this report.