Arkansas coach Bret Bielema proudly posted a message on Twitter last spring that featured the Razorbacks’ new helmets – a futuristic design by Riddell called the SpeedFlex that is supposed to be the latest in head protection.
A vocal proponent of player safety, Bielema is happy to be a part of the cutting edge. But it’s a bit of a leap of faith. He has no proof that the SpeedFlex – or any other helmet – can reduce the risk of a devastating head injury.
“It’s just like everything else – everything advances and you get better at it,” Bielema said at a recent Arkansas practice. “I think our kids really like the way (the helmets) feel. They feel snug. They feel fit. So I think that’s a step in the right direction.”
With lawsuits and concern regarding concussions hanging over every level of football, the race to develop safer helmets and other equipment has never been more intense. Even so, experts say it remains to be seen if new technology has made a dent in reducing concussions on the football field.
“It’s very admirable that they’re trying to get better,” said Dr. Robert Cantu, a Boston-based neurosurgeon who specializes in sports concussions. “But with regards to concussions, it’s a very complex issue … There really isn’t any helmet that has clearly been shown on the football field to be superior to other helmets.”