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Aaron Rodgers Hates His Helmet

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jack Gorman | Last updated Jun 11, 2025 1:39 PM ET

The long, strange free agency trip of Aaron Rodgers finally ended when he reported for the Pittsburgh Steelers mandatory mincamp on Tuesday.

During the offseason, the NFL banned the Schutt Air XP Q11 helmet. This was a step up from last year, when it was listed as "not recommended" for players to use, but not specifically banned. Rodgers ignored this recommendation, preferring to use the brand of helmet he had worn for the majority of his playing career.

“I can’t stand the helmet,” Rodgers shared, seemingly apropos of nothing while meeting with reporters yesterday. “I’ve worn a Schutt for 20 years and somehow it finally didn’t pass the safety standard.”

Rodgers’ preferred helmet was the Schutt Air XP Q11, which was listed as “not recommended” last year and is now prohibited. pic.twitter.com/a8pgzig0yx
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) June 10, 2025

The last time Rodgers changed helmets was in 2019, when he changed from the Riddell Revolution Speed Classic, which was part of the Schutt line of helmets. At the time, this was a contrast with another Steeler star, Antonio Brown, who threatened to retire if the NFL didn't allow him to continue wearing his preferred helmet.

Rodgers also mentioned that he changed helmets in 2010 due to a series of concussions.

As the NFL continues to look for ways to improve its image with player safety, more players will inevitably lose their preferred equipment. Rodgers apparently was seen trying on multiple helmets in the Pittsburgh Steelers' equipment room today.

When the quarterback was asked if he was going to find a new helmet he liked, Rodgers replied, "Sure hope so."

Pittsburgh faithful surely hope so as well, as the team has had inconsistency at quarterback since Steeler great Ben Roethlisberger retired three years ago. Rodgers - and his helmet - are supposed to put an end to that.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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