The NFL, in collaboration with the NFLPA, through their respective appointed biomechanical experts, coordinated extensive laboratory research to evaluate which helmets best reduce head impact severity.
The results of the laboratory tests are displayed on the poster below and shared with NFL players, in addition to club medical, training, coaching and equipment staffs to help inform equipment choices. Other factors, in addition to the ranking, should be considered by players when choosing a helmet, including fit, comfort, durability, player position and the player's medical history.
The laboratory test conditions are intended to represent potentially concussive head impacts in the NFL. The results of this study should not be extrapolated beyond the NFL, including to collegiate, high school or youth football.
The NFL and NFLPA also share three position-specific posters, displaying the rankings for top generic (all-position) helmets and position-specific helmets based on additional impact conditions commonly experienced in those positions. The posters, offered for the quarterback, offensive lineman and defensive lineman positions, help players focus on the helmets that are expected to offer them the best protection for their position.
Effective for the 2025 season, all helmets outside of the top-performing group (as indicated by green on the helmet poster) will be marked as "Not Recommended" (as indicated by yellow.) The adjustments to the rankings are designed to help encourage adoption of better-performing models.
The following prohibited helmet models perform poorly in laboratory testing, have been discontinued by the manufacturer, or were produced by companies no longer manufacturing football helmets. All the helmets listed below are prohibited for use on-field by NFL players.
