8. Predictions

For this blog I will be taking some inspiration from none other than myself for predictions into the near technological future. The inspiration for this blog comes from my most recent media presentation in the 4013 Publicity, Media, and Campaigns class. That media presentation's subject would be the technological advancements in the sport of American Football. Mostly this blog will be talking about the newer football helmets being introduced into the game. 

*Link to 4013 Presentation in Photo*

The Riddell Axiom might be one of the ugliest helmets (Minus the one in the picture below) I have seen in the modern era of football, but it might also be one of the safest at the same time. 

*Picture Contains Video Link*

The Axiom has very recently been the newest helmet on the market for players in college and the NFL. As stated in the video above, the Axiom is a smart helmet that presents probably the most protection ever seen by a football helmet. The flex in the helmet helps let the players head to move around within the helmet so that there is less concussion awareness needed. Say if there was a player with a concussion, the video stated this as well, the helmet will record the hit and the coach can go look back at the collision to prevent a hit like that to take place again. 

Riddell may have not received the best PR from the design of the helmets, in terms of looks (including me at first), but the safety of the player should take place over how they look. While I say that, the helmet has grown on me with its looks and I am not totally against it anymore. I may also just be saying that due to the fact that new Oklahoma QB Dillon Gabriel has begun to wear/test the helmet for the University of Oklahoma. 

Not sure if anyone noticed, but that's why I am here, that the helmet does not have a top bar on it just like every other traditional helmet. This feature at the beginning was my biggest pet-peeve for the helmet, but after learning it was for the player's benefit I have come with a different mindset. That benefit, that was also mentioned in the video, is so that the player is able see better without having to worry about their facemark bar getting in the way. This feature is even more important for quarterbacks like Dillon Gabriel and CJ Stroud. 

These big name players are helping Riddell test out the brand new helmets, but at the same time they are bringing a huge PR boost for the company.