Helmet Safety Priority for Houston Texans

In the high-impact world of the NFL, player safety stands as one of the most critical priorities for teams, and for the Houston Texans, helmet safety has emerged as a top focus in recent years. With growing awareness of the long-term risks associated with head injuries, the Texans have taken proactive steps to invest in cutting-edge helmet technology, rigorous testing protocols, and player education—all aimed at minimizing the risk of concussions and other head trauma on the field. Helmet Safety Priority for Houston Texans is not just a policy; it’s a commitment that shapes every decision related to player equipment, from the helmets the team selects to the way they’re maintained and replaced. This focus on safety not only protects the health and well-being of the Texans’ players but also sets a standard for other NFL teams, demonstrating how a franchise can balance the physical intensity of football with a dedication to keeping athletes safe. Whether through partnerships with leading safety researchers or direct input from players, the Texans have made it clear that no expense or effort is too great when it comes to helmet safety.

Helmet Safety Priority for Houston Texans begins with the team’s rigorous helmet selection process, which involves a combination of data analysis, player feedback, and collaboration with top safety experts. Unlike some teams that rely solely on league-recommended helmet models, the Texans have established an in-house safety committee consisting of athletic trainers, team doctors, and player representatives who evaluate every helmet option on the market. The committee uses advanced data from the NFL’s Helmet Laboratory Testing Program, which rates helmets based on their ability to reduce impact forces, and supplements this with additional testing at local biomechanics labs to simulate game-like collisions. In 2023, the Texans became one of the first NFL teams to fully adopt the VICIS Zero2-R, a helmet designed with a flexible outer shell and layered interior that absorbs and disperses impact energy more effectively than traditional models. To ensure the helmets fit each player perfectly, the team also uses 3D scanning technology to create custom-fitted liners for every athlete, eliminating gaps that could reduce protection. Quarterback C.J. Stroud, who switched to the VICIS model last season, noted, “The difference in comfort and feel is noticeable, but more importantly, I feel confident knowing the helmet is working as hard as I am to stay safe.” This personalized, data-driven approach to helmet selection ensures that every Texans player has access to the safest possible equipment for their position and playing style.

Beyond selecting the right helmets, Helmet Safety Priority for Houston Texans includes a strict maintenance and replacement program that ensures helmets remain in optimal condition throughout the season. The Texans employ a full-time equipment manager dedicated solely to helmet care, whose responsibilities include inspecting each helmet before and after every practice and game, checking for signs of wear such as cracks, loose padding, or damaged straps. Helmets are also sent to independent labs for quarterly impact testing, where they’re subjected to forces similar to those experienced in game situations to ensure they still meet safety standards. Any helmet that shows even minor signs of degradation is immediately removed from use—no exceptions. The Texans also have a policy of replacing all player helmets every two seasons, regardless of their condition, to take advantage of the latest advancements in safety technology. For example, in 2024, the team upgraded to the newer VICIS Zero3 model, which includes improved ventilation and an updated impact-absorption system, ensuring players always have access to the most advanced protection available. This commitment to maintenance and replacement prevents players from using helmets that may have lost their protective capabilities over time, a critical step in reducing injury risk.

A key part of Helmet Safety Priority for Houston Texans is the team’s investment in player education and feedback, ensuring that athletes are active participants in their own safety. The Houston Texans host annual helmet safety workshops at the start of each preseason, where team doctors and safety experts walk players through the science behind helmet technology, explaining how different designs reduce impact and what signs of discomfort or improper fit to watch for. Players are also encouraged to provide regular feedback on their helmets—from issues with fit to concerns about visibility—through a dedicated app that allows them to submit notes directly to the safety committee. Running back Dameon Pierce, who raised concerns about a loose chin strap early last season, praised the team’s responsiveness: “I mentioned the issue after practice, and by the next day, the equipment team had adjusted the strap and even brought in a new liner to make sure it fit perfectly. They really listen to us.” The Texans also require all players to complete a concussion recognition training course, teaching them how to identify symptoms in themselves and teammates, and emphasizing the importance of reporting head injuries immediately. This focus on education empowers players to take ownership of their safety, creating a culture where no one feels pressured to play through pain or ignore potential risks.

Helmet Safety Priority for Houston Texans extends beyond the NFL roster to the local community, as the team works to promote helmet safety among youth football players in the Houston area. The Houston Texans have partnered with local youth sports organizations to launch the “Safe Helmets, Strong Players” initiative, which provides free helmet fittings, safety workshops, and even donated helmets to underserved youth leagues. Each year, the team’s equipment staff and players visit dozens of youth football practices, demonstrating how to properly adjust helmets, check for wear, and recognize signs of improper fit. In 2023, the Texans donated over 500 new, league-certified helmets to youth teams in Houston’s inner-city neighborhoods, ensuring that young players have access to the same level of protection as NFL athletes. The initiative also includes a “Coach’s Safety Clinic,” where youth coaches learn how to implement helmet safety protocols into their teams’ routines, from pre-practice inspections to proper tackling techniques that reduce head impact. Texans linebacker Blake Cashman, who regularly participates in the clinics, said, “When I was a kid, I didn’t always have the safest helmet, and I didn’t know how important fit was. This program makes sure that today’s young players don’t have to worry about that—it’s about giving them the tools to stay safe while they love the game.” By sharing their expertise with the community, the Texans are helping to build a future generation of football players who prioritize safety as much as skill.

Looking ahead, Helmet Safety Priority for Houston Texans will continue to evolve as new technology and research emerge, with the team committed to staying at the forefront of helmet safety innovation. The Houston Texans have announced a multi-year partnership with the University of Houston’s Center for Sports Medicine to fund research into next-generation helmet designs, focusing on materials that can better withstand repeated impacts and sensors that can detect head trauma in real time. The team is also testing smart helmet technology that uses built-in sensors to measure impact forces during practices and games, providing coaches and medical staff with instant data to identify players who may need further evaluation. Additionally, the Texans plan to expand their community outreach program, with plans to host a regional helmet safety summit in 2025 that will bring together youth coaches, parents, and safety experts from across Texas to share best practices. As Texans team president Greg Grissom noted, “Our commitment to helmet safety isn’t a one-time effort—it’s a long-term promise to our players, our fans, and our community. We want to make sure that football remains a game kids can love and adults can play safely for years to come.” With this ongoing dedication, the Houston Texans are not just protecting their own players—they’re helping to shape the future of football safety for the entire sport.