If you are a fan of football, you probably know who Julio Jones is. He is one of the best wide receivers in the NFL, and he plays for the Philadelphia Eagles. But do you know what helmet he wears, and why it matters? In this guide, we will explore his football career, his helmet choice, and the importance of helmets in football. You will learn about the features and benefits of his helmet, the official helmet of the NFL, and the helmet brands worn by other NFL players. Whether you are a casual viewer or a hardcore fan, this guide will help you appreciate the game and the players more. Let’s get started!
Who is Julio Jones? Exploring his football career
Julio Jones is a 34-year-old American football player who was born in Foley, Alabama. He played college football at Alabama, where he won a national championship in 2009 and was a first-team All-SEC selection in 2010. He was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the first round (6th overall) of the 2011 NFL Draft, and spent 10 seasons with them. He is regarded as one of the greatest receivers of the 2010s, as he led the league in receiving yards twice (2015 and 2018), co-led in receptions once (2015), and made seven Pro Bowls and two All-Pro teams. He also holds several NFL records, such as the fastest player to reach 10,000 career receiving yards, and the most receiving yards in a single game (300). He was traded to the Tennessee Titans in 2021, where he played one season before signing with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2023. He currently ranks second among active players in career receiving yards (13,629) and sixth in career receptions (903).
What brand does Julio Jones wear?
Julio Jones wears a Schutt Air XP Q11 helmet, which is a classic design that combines the timeless Air XP shell with Schutt’s most up-to-date padding. The Air XP Q11 features a single layer dual-compression TPU cushioning system that resists both high and low impact hits, and a SUREFIT air liner that provides a soft and comfortable fit. The helmet also has an attached ROPO-DW facemask, which stands for Reinforced Oral Protection Only – Double Wire. This facemask offers more protection for the mouth area, while allowing good visibility and ventilation. Julio Jones has been wearing the Schutt Air XP Q11 since 2021, when he switched from his previous helmet, the Riddell SpeedFlex.
Analyzing the features and benefits of Julio Jones’ helmet choice
Why did Julio Jones choose the Schutt Air XP Q11 helmet over other options? There are several possible reasons for his decision. First of all, he may have preferred the traditional look and feel of the Air XP shell, which has been used by many players since its introduction in 2003. The Air XP shell is more rounded than other shells, which helps deflect harder hits and reduce rotational forces on the head. Second, he may have valued the performance and durability of the TPU cushioning system, which is virtually indestructible and has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. The TPU cushioning system also adapts to different temperatures and altitudes, making it suitable for any weather condition. Third, he may have liked the comfort and adjustability of the SUREFIT air liner, which allows him to customize his fit by inflating or deflating air bladders inside the liner. The SUREFIT air liner also offers a soft ‘pillow-like’ feel that reduces pressure points on the head. Fourth, he may have opted for the ROPO-DW facemask because it matches his playing style and position. As a wide receiver, he needs to have good vision and breathability while running routes and catching passes. The ROPO-DW facemask provides that without compromising his oral protection.
Why is his helmet important for him?
Julio Jones’ helmet is important for him because it protects him from serious brain or head injuries that can occur during football games. Football is a contact sport that involves high-speed collisions between players who wear hard equipment. These collisions can generate significant forces on the head, which can cause concussions or worse. Concussions are brain injuries that result from a sudden movement or jolt of the head that disrupts normal brain function. They can cause symptoms such as headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, memory loss, mood changes, and more. Repeated concussions can lead to long-term problems such as chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), which is a degenerative brain disease that affects cognition, behavior, mood, and motor skills. CTE can only be diagnosed after death by examining brain tissue. By wearing a helmet that fits well and absorbs impact energy, Julio Jones can reduce his risk of getting concussions or other head injuries that can affect his health and career. His helmet also protects his face, jaw, ears, and neck from cuts, bruises, fractures, and other injuries that can occur from contact with other players or the ground.
Importance of helmets in football and Types of football helmets
Helmets are crucial to player safety in football, as they can prevent or minimize the severity of head and facial injuries. However, not all helmets are created equal. There are different types of football helmets that vary in their design, materials, features, and performance. The main types of football helmets are:
- Polycarbonate helmets: These are the most common type of helmets in football, as they are made of a strong and lightweight plastic material that can withstand high impact forces. Polycarbonate helmets have a hard outer shell and a soft inner padding that cushions the head. They also have a facemask that attaches to the front of the helmet and a chinstrap that secures the helmet to the head. Polycarbonate helmets can be further classified into subtypes based on their shell shape and padding system. Some examples of polycarbonate helmets are the Riddell SpeedFlex, the Schutt Air XP Q11, the Xenith Shadow XR, and the Vicis Zero2.
- Composite helmets: These are newer types of helmets that use a combination of materials to create a more flexible and resilient shell. Composite helmets have a layer of carbon fiber or Kevlar on top of a polycarbonate base, which gives them more strength and durability. They also have a layer of foam or rubber on the inside, which provides more comfort and shock absorption. Composite helmets are designed to deform and recover from impacts, rather than crack or shatter. Some examples of composite helmets are the Riddell Speed Icon, the Schutt F7 VTD, the Xenith Epic+, and the Vicis Zero1.
- Leather helmets: These are the oldest type of helmets in football, as they date back to the early days of the sport. Leather helmets are made of soft leather that covers the head and ears. They do not have any padding or facemask, and they offer very little protection from impacts. Leather helmets are mostly used as throwback or novelty items, as they do not meet the current safety standards for football. Some examples of leather helmets are the Schutt VSR4 Throwback and the Riddell TK Throwback.
The official helmet of the NFL
The NFL does not have an official helmet brand or model that all players must wear. Instead, the NFL allows players to choose their own helmet from a list of approved models that meet certain safety criteria. The list is based on laboratory testing conducted by an independent body called Biokinetics Inc., which evaluates how well each helmet reduces head impact severity under various conditions. The list is also informed by field data collected by NFL engineers and medical staff, which measures how often each helmet is involved in concussions or other injuries during games. The list is updated every year to reflect new models and technologies that enter the market.
The current list of approved helmet models for the 2021 season includes 41 models from six manufacturers: Riddell, Schutt, Xenith, Vicis, Light Helmets, and LG. The list is divided into three tiers based on their performance rating: green (top-performing), yellow (acceptable), and red (prohibited). Green-tier helmets are recommended for all players, as they offer the best protection from head impacts. Yellow-tier helmets are allowed for players who prefer them, but they are not as effective as green-tier helmets. Red-tier helmets are banned for all players, as they pose a high risk of injury. Players who wear red-tier helmets will face disciplinary action from the league.
The most popular helmet model among NFL players in 2020 was the Riddell SpeedFlex Precision Diamond (green tier), which was worn by 218 players (13% of all players). The second most popular model was the Schutt F7 LTD (green tier), which was worn by 187 players (11% of all players). The third most popular model was the Riddell SpeedFlex Precision (green tier), which was worn by 185 players (11% of all players)3
Helmet brands worn by other NFL players
Besides Julio Jones, who wears a Schutt Air XP Q11 helmet, there are many other NFL players who wear different helmet brands and models. Here are some examples of notable players and their helmet choices:
- Patrick Mahomes: The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback and 2018 MVP wears a Vicis Zero2 Trench (green tier) helmet, which is designed for linemen and features a wider facemask and a lower chin cup.
- Tom Brady: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback and seven-time Super Bowl champion wears a Riddell SpeedFlex Precision Diamond (green tier) helmet, which is customized to fit his head shape and size.
- Aaron Donald: The Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle and three-time Defensive Player of the Year wears a Schutt F7 VTD (green tier) helmet, which has a titanium facemask and a teardrop shell shape.
- Derrick Henry: The Tennessee Titans running back and 2020 Offensive Player of the Year wears a Xenith Shadow XR (green tier) helmet, which has a sleek design and a shock suspension system.
- Jalen Ramsey: The Los Angeles Rams cornerback and four-time Pro Bowler wears a Light LS1 Composite (green tier) helmet, which is the lightest helmet in the NFL and has a carbon fiber shell.
- Travis Kelce: The Kansas City Chiefs tight end and two-time All-Pro wears a LG HAU F5M (green tier) helmet, which is the first helmet made by LG Electronics and has a 4K camera and a microphone.
Conclusion and takeaway for football players at all levels
In this guide, we have learned about Julio Jones’ football career, his helmet choice, and the importance of helmets in football. We have also seen some examples of other NFL players and their helmet brands. We hope that this guide has been informative and engaging for you, and that you have gained some insights into the game and the players.
As a takeaway for football players at all levels, we would like to emphasize the following points:
- Helmets are essential for player safety in football, as they can prevent or reduce the risk of head and facial injuries that can have serious consequences.
- Helmets are not all the same, as they differ in their design, materials, features, and performance. Players should choose a helmet that fits well, offers good protection, and suits their playing style and position.
- Helmets are constantly evolving with new technologies and innovations that aim to improve player safety and comfort. Players should keep up with the latest developments and trends in the helmet market, and be open to trying new models that may offer better benefits.
- Helmets are not magic shields that can prevent all injuries. Players should also follow proper tackling techniques, follow the rules of the game, and report any symptoms of concussion or other injuries to their coaches or medical staff.
Thank you for reading this guide on Julio Jones’ helmet choice. We hope you enjoyed it and learned something new. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to contact us. Have a great day!