If you’re watching the Cowboys and find yourself wondering, “What kind of helmet is Zeke wearing?” Well, so were we.
Dallas star running back Ezekiel Elliott is rocking a unique-looking helmet — one that has never been seen before until this season. His lid looks like something from a futuristic football league, giving the former All-Pro a sleek style when he’s running between the tackles.
Elliott’s helmet has been a talking point throughout training camp and it’s leaving viewers who are just tuning in for the start of the regular season with questions.
What type of helmet is Elliott wearing and why did the Cowboys star elect to make an equipment change? The Sporting News has answers to both of those questions below.
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What helmet is Ezekiel Elliott wearing?
Elliott, who has always been on the forefront of fashion and style, is one again innovating. The running back had been rocking the Riddell Speedflex since his days at Ohio State University but is making a switch this year.
He’s keeping it in the same branded family but instead, changing to the new Riddell Axiom.
New year. New helmet for @EzekielElliott. 😎#DallasCowboys pic.twitter.com/MTYyaJWxmc
— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) May 26, 2022
Why did Ezekiel Elliott change helmets for 2022 season?
When asked why he changed helmets, Elliott had a quick-witted response. “They come out with the new Ford F-150. You got the old one, you want the new one.”
But all jokes aside, there are fundamental and scientific reasons for the helmet switch.
The new Riddell Axiom helmet allows players to take another step toward improving the prevention of common football-related brain injuries like CTE.
It starts with 3D scans to customize the helmet’s shape, and the removal of the top bar on the facemask allows players to have a broader view of the field.
The Axiom has sensors all throughout the helmet, allowing for in-game analysis of which parts of the head are receiving the most impact on each play. With that technology, players will be more aware of potential head injuries, and hopefully, avoid serious head/neck injuries while competing.
For as futuristic and cool as its aesthetics are, the helmet’s research is even more impressive.
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