Aaron Rodgers “can’t stand” his new helmet
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Aaron Rodgers “can’t stand” his new helmet
Aaron Rodgers has been wearing a Schutt Air XP Pro Q11 LTD for 20 years. The helmet is now banned because of safety concerns. Rodgers says he can’t stand the helmet and is looking for a new one.
“I can’t stand the helmet,” Rodgers told reporters on Tuesday. “I’ve worn a Schutt for 20 years and somehow it finally didn’t pass the safety standard.”
Last year, Rodgers wore the Schutt Air XP Pro Q11 LTD. Joe Flacco, Thomas Morstead, and Nick Folk were the only others who continued to use that now-banned model.
He has time to find one that works. Especially since he’s only participating in individual drills during the ongoing mandatory minicamp.
It’s one of the basic realities of playing in the NFL. New helmets will be developed. Old helmets will be removed from service. Some players will have to adjust to something that looks and feels different — even if it’s dramatically safer than the helmet the player would like to wear.
Aaron Rodgers Has a Major Complaint about Steelers Practice
Aaron Rodgers wore a Schutt F7 Pro helmet at the Pittsburgh Steelers’ minicamp. The lid didn’t hug his head the right way, Rodgers said after the Steelers’ practice. The Air XP Q11 is one of seven newly prohibited helmets, along with Riddell’s Foundation, Speed Icon, Speed, and Revolution Speed Classic models. Rodgers still wore it out of familiarity last season, but it was categorized as “not recommended” for player use.
Aaron Rodgers Has a Major Complaint about Steelers Practice
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers during a Steelers minicamp practice on June 10, 2025. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
PITTSBURGH — Something about Aaron Rodgers looked different at the Pittsburgh Steelers’ mandatory minicamp on Tuesday. Sure, he was wearing black and gold in front of the masses for the first time. And, of course, Rodgers looked sharp as he fired spirals around the practice field.
But, instead of his customary Schutt Air XP Q11 helmet, Rodgers donned Schutt’s F7 Pro helmet as he zipped passes to DK Metcalf, Pat Freiermuth, and Calvin Austin. The lid didn’t hug his head the right way.
“I can’t stand the helmet,” Rodgers said after the Steelers’ practice. “I’ve worn a Schutt for 20 years. Somehow it finally didn’t pass the safety standards.”
The Air XP Q11 is one of seven newly prohibited helmets, along with Riddell’s Foundation, Speed Icon, Speed, and Revolution Speed Classic models. Xenith’s Epic+ and Epic variations are also banned. The Air XP Q11 was categorized as “not recommended” for player use last season, but Rodgers still wore it out of familiarity.
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers during a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Oct. 20, 2024. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
The description on Schutt’s website says the F7 Pro, the model Rodgers wore on Tuesday, “boasts a sleek, automotive-inspired rear diffuser, allowing the helmet to sit lower on the back of the head, enhancing fit and comfort.”
Certor Sports CEO Jerry Erspamer labeled the F7 Pro the “most innovative helmet Schutt has ever designed, and considering the brand’s historic impact on the game of football, I do not say that lightly.”
The pods within the helmet are designed to adapt to the wearer’s head shape. Not for Rodgers, apparently.
“I hope so,” Rodgers said when asked if he was going to try a new helmet.