While it took months to know his final decision for the 2025 season, it didn’t take long to hear Aaron Rodgers voice his first complaint to the NFL after joining Mike Tomlin and the Pittsburgh Steelers.
With the National Football League banning the helmet he used until last year, Rodgers has no option but to don new headwear in 2025. And he only needed one practice with the Steelers to know he isn’t pleased with this change.
“I can’t stand the helmet,” Rodgers told reporters last week after his first mandatory minicamp practice in Pittsburgh. “I’ve worn a Schutt for 20 years and somehow it finally didn’t pass the safety standard.”
Rodgers’ complaint was heard loud and clear. Not only did his comments make headlines, but they also prompted a response from the person responsible for the new helmet he’s set to use with the Steelers.
Aaron Rodgers #8 of the Pittsburgh Pirates in action during Minicamp at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex on June 10, 2025 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
CEO of company that made new helmet reacts to Rodgers’ complaint
Andrew Vasquez of Steelers Wire sat down with Jeremy Erspamer, CEO of Certor Sports—the company behind the Schutt F7 Pro model, which is the new helmet Rodgers complained about.
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Far from feeling offended, Ersparmer let Rodgers know he understands his frustration—while making it clear that the only intention is to provide better protection for NFL players.
“I feel for players like Aaron Rodgers,” Erspamer said. “He’s worn that same helmet model basically his entire career. As he said, he’s never been hurt in it. I’m sure it feels like an old friend when he puts it on his head.
“I completely understand, from a player’s perspective, that potentially causing frustration. I also understand the desire of the NFL — and for us, as helmet manufacturers — trying to develop new technology. Technology is evolving probably quicker than most people think. And the ability to protect athletes better comes along with that.”
Rodgers forced to wear a new helmet in first season with Steelers
Seeing Rodgers with a Schutt helmet has become a common sight for football fans. However, a change was coming. The Schutt Air XP Pro Q11 LTD model he used in 2024 was already under the microscope.
According to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, that helmet was listed as “not recommended” last season. It didn’t take long for the NFL to completely remove it, banning the helmet due to safety concerns this offseason.
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It won’t be the first time Rodgers has to wear a new helmet though, as he already had to change headwear after the 2010 NFL season, when he suffered two concussions. This time, however, he looks more upset about it.
