NFL Bans Aaron Rodgers' Helmet Forcing Steelers QB Switch

Aaron Rodgers, now quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, is facing a helmet change after the NFL banned his longtime preferred helmet model, the Schutt Air XP Pro Q11 LTD, due to safety concerns. Having worn Schutt helmets for 20 years, Rodgers expressed strong frustration with the new helmet options, saying, "I can't stand the helmet." This is not the first time Rodgers has had to switch helmets; he adapted to a ban on the Riddell Revolution Speed Classic in 2019 and switched again after concussions in 2010. Unlike in 2019 when players had a grace period to transition, Rodgers now has less than three months to find a helmet that meets the NFL's updated safety standards. Despite his displeasure, Rodgers tried the Schutt F7 Pro model during Steelers minicamp, which passed the NFL’s recent safety study. The NFL and NFL Players Association banned seven additional helmet models this offseason, emphasizing player safety but forcing veterans like Rodgers to adjust to new equipment.