Peyton Manning Signed by Riddell Helmet Company to Help with Product Development

Helmet company Riddell announced Wednesday that it signed retired NFL quarterback Peyton Manning to a deal that will allow him to aid in product development, according to ESPN.com's Darren Rovell.

Per Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio, Manning will be a "strategic advisor" for Riddell.

In a press release (h/t Florio), Manning explained his potential role with the company:

"Riddell is one of the most recognizable brands in football and has long maintained its leadership position through meaningful improvements in player protection and game-tested innovation. Riddell is also doing great work to educate the football community about new protective technology, the importance of proper equipment management, and coordinating initiatives that make new gear available to football programs in need. I'm appreciative of the opportunity to invest in the company and join #TeamRiddell to help reinforce the brand's efforts in advancing the sport I love and believe in."

Riddell also ran down a number of areas in which Manning will be involved: "Manning's new role as strategic advisor to Riddell will encompass contributions in product development, community and charitable initiatives, internal programming, and special projects directed by Riddell executive leadership."

Riddell has been an NFL mainstay, but recent laboratory testing results found that the VICIS helmet is the safest for players, per Play Smart Play Safe, 

The top Riddell helmet ranked seventh behind multiple helmets from Schutt and Xenith. Riddell had four different helmets in the "top-performing group," but it undoubtedly has competition.