The NCAA has given Gallaudet University’s football team the green light to use a specially designed helmet for deaf and hard-of-hearing players for the remainder of the season. Developed in collaboration with AT&T, the helmet is equipped with technology to improve communication on the field, providing a major boost for players.
The helmet, first introduced last year, features a small screen inside the quarterback’s helmet that displays plays sent from a tablet on the sidelines, allowing coaches to visually relay instructions. Gallaudet’s team saw immediate success when using the helmet in one game last season, snapping a four-game losing streak and initiating a three-game winning streak.
Gallaudet head coach Chuck Goldstein praised the NCAA’s decision, saying, “We’re always looking to improve the game and find ways to level the playing field for our guys.” The team is still adapting to the technology, but the helmet is seen as a game-changer for communication and inclusivity in football.
However, due to injuries to their first- and second-string quarterbacks, Gallaudet will not be able to use the helmet in their upcoming home opener. The team plans to introduce it again for their next home game on September 28 in Washington, D.C.
The NCAA’s approval aligns with recent moves to implement audio helmet communication in Division I play. Coach Goldstein noted that without this technology, Gallaudet could face a disadvantage as helmet communication becomes more widespread across divisions.
AT&T’s Chief Marketing and Growth Officer, Kellyn Kenny, underscored the importance of the initiative, celebrating it as a historic milestone in making sports more inclusive. The approval marks a significant step in creating a more level playing field for deaf and hard-of-hearing athletes, with the upcoming games offering further opportunities to refine and demonstrate the helmet’s effectiveness.
