The crazy thing is that the helmets are probably more advanced than modern military helmets at this point.
I have done a little research on some helmets from the recent round of testing in an academic-adjacent setting, and some of the best scoring ones are using bleeding-edge design, additive manufacturing techniques, and materials -- while being customized for each individual player (and they are over $1000 each).
I'm honestly not sure how much more can be done in the helmet/mechanical realm to protect players. The technology to get accelerometers into the helmets to to generate meaningful and useful data is still problematic, too. They are pouring in millions to this problem as concern continues to grow, and for good reason.
I think you are right that the sport itself would have to change.
I think that the more advanced the helmets will get, the worse the problem becomes. Player will have even more false confidence or security, and attempt more foolish plays.
In this case in particular, it was helmet contact to the chest that seemingly caused the injury. There's really no way they're going to be safe short of 22 Michelin men on the field.
I think the reason we have the helmets we have now is because, historically, people were attempting that tackle helmetless and there were tons of injuries. Football players aren't known for caring too much about head injuries and that's only just starting to change.
The crazy thing is that the helmets are probably more advanced than modern military helmets at this point.
I have done a little research on some helmets from the recent round of testing in an academic-adjacent setting, and some of the best scoring ones are using bleeding-edge design, additive manufacturing techniques, and materials -- while being customized for each individual player (and they are over $1000 each).
I'm honestly not sure how much more can be done in the helmet/mechanical realm to protect players. The technology to get accelerometers into the helmets to to generate meaningful and useful data is still problematic, too. They are pouring in millions to this problem as concern continues to grow, and for good reason.
I think you are right that the sport itself would have to change.
I think that the more advanced the helmets will get, the worse the problem becomes. Player will have even more false confidence or security, and attempt more foolish plays.
In this case in particular, it was helmet contact to the chest that seemingly caused the injury. There's really no way they're going to be safe short of 22 Michelin men on the field.
Yeah, but without helmets I don't think that tackle would ever be attempted. But I don't watch American football so I could be wrong
I think the reason we have the helmets we have now is because, historically, people were attempting that tackle helmetless and there were tons of injuries. Football players aren't known for caring too much about head injuries and that's only just starting to change.