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Ohio State QB CJ Stroud testing out new ‘astronaut’ helmet during spring practice
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Ohio State quarterback CJ Stroud is part of a test group this spring, trying out a new helmet rolled out by Riddell. Though it has a unique look to hit, the Buckeyes gunslinger appears to be a big fan.
Stroud was asked about the new helmet, the Riddell Axiom, which a handful of players are testing this spring. He sees a lot of positives with latest edition.
“I like it. It’s like an astronaut look,” Stroud said per Sports Illustrated. “It’s a little odd looking, which I like. I’m not always looking to be normal, you know what I’m saying? Watch, in two years or a year and half, everybody is going to be wearing the helmet and nobody is going to be talking a mess anymore.”
Stroud believes the helmet is an upgrade in terms of safety and field vision from the previous helmet. Last season, the quarterback was wearing a Riddell Speedflex Precision.
What others say about the helmet isn’t really a concern for Stroud, either. He says it’s his health that is most important when it comes to finding the right fit.
“I think it’s funny when people make fun of me and stuff. I don’t really care. I don’t want to say I’m a trendsetter, but I always try to start things. And it’s comfortable. I think my health is more important than how it looks. I don’t want to ever suffer a concussion or things like that. I have faith in my (equipment room) and the people at Riddell.”
According to Sports Illustrated, the Riddell Axiom “uses a scanning app to capture the three-dimensional image of an athlete’s head and uses that to customize an internal system of pads for a personalized fit inside.”
These new helmets are the latest push to help make football a safer sport across the board.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB