Kaycee Staton
Staff Writer
Over the decades, safety equipment in major American sports has significantly advanced, prioritizing athletes’ well-being and reducing potential injury risks. These developments have been driven by technological innovation, data analysis, and a commitment to player safety. As our understanding of sports-related injuries has grown, so too has the technology that protects athletes. What was once considered an afterthought has become an integral part of the games we love today, from the football field to the racetrack.
The NFL has made substantial progress in enhancing player safety, particularly concerning head injuries. Over the years, the league has faced growing concerns about concussions and the long-term effects of head trauma, prompting increased focus on improving protective gear. One of the most significant advancements came in 2024, when the NFL introduced five new helmet models that outperformed all previous versions in safety tests.
Each helmet provides tailored protection based on the specific risks associated with a player’s position—offensive linemen, for example, face different impacts than wide receivers or quarterbacks, and these models reflect that.
“Various studies purport a 10 to 20% reduction in the forces generated with collisions,” University of Pittsburgh Medical Center neurologist Dr. Joseph Maroon said in an interview with CBS News.
This achievement is largely attributed to the development and adoption of better-performing helmets that are more effective at absorbing impact and reducing the likelihood of brain injuries. The league has worked closely with helmet manufacturers, medical experts, and engineers to ensure that these helmets meet the highest safety standards. This ongoing collaboration between the NFL and safety experts has been a critical factor in advancing protective technologies in football.
In addition to helmet improvements, the NFL has implemented the use of Guardian Caps, which are padded helmet covers designed to absorb impact during collisions. Initially introduced in 2022 for training camps, these caps were mandated for use in practices and permitted during games starting in 2023. Guardian Caps have been shown to reduce head impact forces by up to 40%, significantly decreasing the risk of concussions during the preseason. These padded covers are designed to be lightweight yet highly effective at lessening the intensity of blows to the head, offering an extra layer of protection to players in high-contact scenarios. But, the caps weren’t always for concussions.
“It wasn’t, ‘Let’s prevent concussions. It was really, ‘Let’s really reduce force anytime the helmet is contacted,'” NFL Chief Medical Office Dr. Allen Sills told CBS Sports. “I’d say we were very pleasantly surprised to see that magnitude of a drop in concussions.”
As the NFL has made strides in player safety through helmet innovation and concussion-reducing technologies, NASCAR has similarly focused on enhancing driver protection, particularly in the wake of tragic accidents. Both sports, while fundamentally different in their nature, recognize the critical role that evolving safety equipment plays in safeguarding their athletes and drivers. The tragic loss of Dale Earnhardt in 2001 served as a wake-up call for NASCAR, leading to a comprehensive overhaul of safety measures that has continued to evolve ever since. Following Earnhardt’s death, the racing community came together to prioritize driver safety, implementing various innovations aimed at reducing the likelihood of similar tragedies.
One of the most significant developments was the mandatory implementation of the HANS (Head and Neck Support) device in 2001. Designed to prevent fatal head and neck injuries by restricting head movement during crashes, the HANS device became a critical part of NASCAR’s safety equipment. It helps mitigate the risk of basilar skull fractures, which had claimed the lives of several drivers prior to its introduction. The device has since been adopted by all drivers across the sport, and its use is now a standard practice not just in NASCAR, but in many forms of motorsport worldwide.
In 2023, NASCAR took another step forward in its commitment to driver safety with a series of substantial enhancements to the next-gen car. These updates included modifications to the front clip and front bumper struts to better absorb impact forces during collisions. By absorbing more of the energy generated in a crash, these changes help reduce the force transferred to the driver’s body. Additionally, the requirement of an empty front ballast box and a modified cross brace were implemented to improve energy dissipation, further enhancing driver protection during high-impact crashes. These changes were a direct response to driver feedback and the results of extensive research into crash dynamics, showing how NASCAR’s focus on safety is both data-driven and collaborative.
Further highlighting NASCAR’s dedication to driver safety, the sport made another significant adjustment after the terrifying crash of driver Ryan Preece during the 2023 Coke Zero Sugar 400. Preece’s car flipped multiple times after hitting the grass on the backstretch of Daytona International Speedway. The accident raised concerns about the grass areas on the track, which can cause cars to dig in and flip upon impact. In response to the incident, Daytona International Speedway made the decision to remove the grass from the backstretch and replace it with pavement. This change aims to prevent future accidents of this nature, as the grass often causes cars to lose traction and tumble uncontrollably. Completed in December 2023, the project was a joint effort between Daytona, NASCAR, and drivers to improve safety for future races. This update to the track, along with other innovations, illustrates how NASCAR continues to evolve in response to real-world crashes and the lessons learned from them.
The continuous evolution of safety equipment in both American sports and NASCAR underscores a shared dedication to athlete and driver welfare. These industries have made significant strides in reducing injuries and improving overall safety through technological advancements, data-driven strategies, and collaborative efforts among key stakeholders. From the NFL’s focus on concussions to NASCAR’s continuous improvements to driver protection, the goal remains clear: to provide athletes with the tools and equipment they need to stay safe while performing at the highest level.
Through their ongoing commitment to safety, both the NFL and NASCAR have set an example for other sports, demonstrating that the integration of cutting-edge technology and a proactive approach to injury prevention is essential for the long-term health and well-being of athletes. These advancements are not only improving safety on the field and track but are also shaping the future of how safety equipment will continue to evolve in the coming years.
