NCAA approves special helmet for Gallaudet players this season

The NCAA has approved Gallaudet University's football team to use a specialized helmet designed for players who are deaf or hard of hearing for the current season. This helmet, developed in collaboration with AT&T, features technology that allows coaches to communicate plays visually through a display inside the quarterback's helmet. Gallaudet previously tested the helmet in one game last season, which resulted in a victory and sparked a three-game winning streak. Despite the approval, Gallaudet will not use the helmet in their upcoming home opener due to injuries to their top quarterbacks, which limited their ability to practice with the helmet. Coach Chuck Goldstein expressed optimism about the helmet's potential, emphasizing the importance of refining the technology and addressing any issues that arise during its implementation. The approval for the helmet comes at a time when audio communication helmets are being introduced at the Division I level, highlighting the need for Gallaudet to remain competitive. Goldstein noted that without such innovations, the team could face disadvantages in the evolving landscape of college football. AT&T's chief marketing officer, Kellyn Kenny, celebrated the helmet's introduction as a significant milestone in promoting inclusivity in sports. The collaboration aims to drive meaningful change and enhance the experience for athletes with hearing impairments, ensuring that they have equal opportunities to succeed on the field.