Aaron Rodgers may have just been handed another nudge toward retirement. The NFL and NFL Players Association (NFLPA) have officially banned the Schutt Air XP Pro Q11 LTD helmet—Rodgers’ preferred model—for the 2025 season due to safety concerns, forcing the 41-year-old quarterback to either adapt or walk away.
Rodgers, currently a free agent after parting ways with the New York Jets, has been heavily linked to the Pittsburgh Steelers. While he’s visited the Steelers’ facility and met with head coach Mike Tomlin, no official announcement has been made about his future. Now, with his longtime helmet deemed unsafe, the four-time MVP faces another obstacle as he mulls over a potential comeback.
Helmet Crackdown Hits NFL Veterans
The helmet in question has been a staple for Rodgers and fellow veteran quarterback Joe Flacco, who recently signed a one-year deal with the Cleveland Browns. The NFL and NFLPA test all helmet models annually, using lab simulations to evaluate how well each design mitigates concussive impact. Rodgers’ helmet, initially placed on the “not recommended” list in 2024, was officially downgraded to “prohibited” after further testing.
This decision marks the second time Rodgers has been forced to switch helmets—his previous model was banned in 2019. “I’ve worn very similar helmets my entire career,” Rodgers said at the time, underscoring his resistance to change.
Wide receiver Davante Adams, another player who once wore the banned helmet, switched to a safer model last season. The NFL has increasingly emphasized player safety in recent years, even promoting the use of “guardian caps” in practice to reduce head trauma.
Steelers Preparing With or Without Rodgers
While the Steelers appear to be Rodgers’ most likely destination, time is ticking. Pittsburgh has already signed Mason Rudolph to a two-year, $8 million deal as a backup plan. Rudolph, who began his career in Pittsburgh and briefly played for the Titans last season, is a known and trusted entity for Coach Tomlin.
Meanwhile, Rodgers’ other rumored options are vanishing. The Minnesota Vikings have committed to J.J. McCarthy, the Giants added Russell Wilson, and the Seahawks brought in Sam Darnold—narrowing the list of landing spots.
As Rodgers weighs his options, this latest helmet ban could be a deciding factor. Will he return and adapt, or finally hang up his cleats?
Stay tuned. The next chapter in Rodgers’ legendary career may be just around the corner—or already written.
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