NFL Innovation Continues to Advance Helmet Safety and Protection for Players

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The NFL continues to drive innovation in helmet safety, giving players more and better-performing helmet models to choose from each season.

The 2025 season’s lineup includes seven new helmets, all of which ranked in the Top-Performing category based on annual laboratory testing conducted in partnership with the NFLPA. The annual testing results are published on helmet posters that are shared with clubs and players, and posted in locker rooms for all teams throughout the season. Ahead of the season, players work closely with their club equipment managers to determine the helmet that offers the best fit, protection and comfort.

Notably, the laboratory testing results are supported by recent on-field data. Players in top-performing helmets had a substantially lower rate of concussions than players wearing lesser-performing helmets. The 2024 season marked the largest safety improvement in helmets worn on-field since 2021, contributing to the fewest concussions in an NFL season on record.

Many of the Not Recommended models have newer corresponding options in the Top-Performing group and nearly all top-ranked helmets for 2025 have an element of fit customization, utilizing innovative technology such as head scans or adjustable padding options.

As the NFL has continued to drive advancements in helmet technology, there are now 10 Guardian Cap Optional helmets available to players. These helmets provide as much – and in some cases more – protection than helmets paired with a Guardian Cap, affording players additional safety options as they make their helmet choice. Players in positions covered by the Guardian Cap requirement may instead choose to wear one of these helmets and forgo a Guardian Cap for practices.

The NFL will continue providing data and collaborating with the NFLPA, club staff, medical experts, engineers and manufacturers to continue driving the development of better-performing helmets and better protection for players.

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