NFL's "Smart" Riddell Helmet

An NFL player does not have to guess about the number of blows to his head. There is a helmet that keeps track of the data.

This B/R writer became aware of the NFL's "smart" Riddell helmet after listening to the presentation of the Pro Football Hall of Fame's guide, pictured above.

The helmet is loaded with a small computer that operates like a GPS system. 

It does the following: "It records the location, magnitude, duration and direction of up to 100 impacts.

"Data downloads wirelessly to desktop or laptop after the game or practice. Includes Riddell’s Red Zone Software for charting data. Includes 2 MX Encoder battery packs and battery charging station, MX Encoder can be removed for cleaning 

"Toll-free Technical Support included, Requires 1 Riddell HITS™ Desktop Antenna (Item #64225 – sold separately), Riddell HITS™ Desktop Antenna connects to any desktop or laptop computer with a USB port and is suitable for use with multiple HITS-equipped helmets."

Reportedly, there is research being done on foot prints which may yield data on a person's health or spinal condition. This type of research is being done at a university in Colorado, according to one of my Calculus Two students.

You can, therefore, envision a pad (someday) in an NFL player's shoe that records data for analysis and diagnosis.

The area of research is in biomedical engineering and related areas.

The point of this commentary: Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) are in each and every aspect of our work and leisure or recreational lives.

STEM professions can help analyze all types of data in the NFL.

A point I emphasize to 21st century students: Just because you can not see it or do not understand a concept or aspect of reality, does not mean it is nonexistent.

Technology is already in the NFL helmets for some teams.  Watch out! It may be in the entire gear before long!

The humor in all of this: The NFL players may eventually have data downloaded and analyzed like WALL-E's girlfriend, Eve.

Fun Video - Football Head Battle