A CEO who made Aaron Rodgers’ new and approved helmet has revealed his reaction to the NFL’s ban of an old model that the iconic quarterback has praised.
The newly signed Steelers quarterback shared his displeasure over the league banning a helmet he has worn for over 20 seasons last week.
Pittsburgh Steelers star quarterback Aaron Rodgers in action during the team’s mandatory minicamp[/caption]
“I can’t stand the helmet,” Rodgers told reporters about his new Schutt F7 model helmet that he had to wear during last Tuesday’s mandatory minicamp session.
Rodgers then spoke about the now-banned Schutt Air XPQ11 helmet in which he’s rocked since he entered the NFL way back in 2005.
“I’ve worn a Schutt for 20 years and somehow it finally didn’t pass the safety standard,” the 41-year-old complained.
Certor Sports CEO Jeremy Erspamer, whose company is behind the Schutt F7 model, spoke about Rodgers’ frustration concerning the new helmet and the banning of his old model.
“I feel for players like Aaron Rodgers,” Erspamer told Steelers Wire.
“He’s worn that same helmet model basically his entire career.
“As he said, he’s never been hurt in it.
“… I completely understand, from a player’s perspective, that potentially causing frustration.”
But Erspamer also defended the NFL’s decision to look out for players’ safety.
“I also understand the desire of the NFL – and for us, as helmet manufacturers – trying to develop new technology,” he said.
“Technology is evolving probably quicker than most people think.
“And the ability to protect athletes better comes along with that.”
After the annual helmet performance and safety study, the NFL and the NFL Players Association banned seven other models this offseason.
The banned helmets are:
- Riddell Foundation
- Riddell Speed Icon
- Riddell Speed
- Riddell Revolution Speed Classic
- Schutt Air XP Pro Q11 LTD
- Xenith Epic+
- Xenith Epic
Rodgers seen wearing his now-banned Schutt Air XPQ11 helmet with the New York Jets last season[/caption]
It seems that Rodgers will wear the Schutt F7 model helmet unless he decides to go a different route.
Rodgers has joined the Steelers after having a disappointing season with the Jets in 2024.
He posted 28 touchdowns against 11 interceptions and led the team to a 5-12 record.
Gang Green cut him in May, and Rodgers can look for revenge as he’ll face his former team in Week 1 on September 7 at MetLife Stadium.
NFL important dates 2025 season
March 12 – Free Agency begins
April 24-26 – NFL Draft in Green Bay, Wisconsin
September 4 – 2025 season opener (TBC vs Eagles)
November 27 – Thanksgiving Day triple header
January 4, 2026 – End of regular-season
February 8, 2026 – Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California
