The latest NFL data is in and it's clear that helmet innovation is making real strides. In the newly released 2025 Helmet Laboratory Testing Performance Results, top-performing models like the VICIS ZERO2-R MATRIX and Schutt F7 Pro have raised the bar for head impact mitigation. These position-specific rankings, developed through annual collaboration between the NFL and NFLPA, evaluate helmets under conditions designed to mimic potentially concussive impacts for quarterbacks, linemen, and other positions.
This year, five new helmet models achieved best-ever scores for reducing impact severity. These results reflect growing sophistication in design, including custom-fit models and advanced materials. But even the NFL is clear: no helmet can fully protect against serious brain or neck injury.
As stated in the official report:
“No helmet system can completely protect against serious brain and/or neck injuries a player might sustain while participating in football.” — NFL Helmet Testing Results, 2025
Technique is the First Line of Defense
That’s where we come in.
Atavus has always believed that equipment is only part of the equation. The other half, the part that happens on the field, in every rep, at every level, is technique.
Proper tackling technique can significantly reduce the risk of injury, not just for the player delivering the hit, but also for the one receiving it. Head-up posture. Safe leverage. Controlled tracking. Wrap and finish. These aren't just coaching points. They’re safety protocols. They’re the foundation for a more sustainable future of the game.
In fact, many of the collisions that lead to concussions or serious injuries stem from breakdowns in fundamentals, not gear failure. A $500 helmet can’t make up for a mistimed launch or poor pad level.
Through our data-backed approach to tackling, Atavus works with teams across the country to build smarter athletes, safer teams, and longer careers. We believe the next generation of football safety lies in teaching technique as seriously as we test equipment.
Enhance Player Safety with Atavus Tacklytics
Reduce missed tackles and improve performance through data-driven analysis.
According to the NFL and NFLPA’s 2025 Helmet Laboratory Testing Results, the VICIS ZERO2-R MATRIX and Schutt F7 Pro are among the top-performing football helmets for reducing head impact severity. These helmets were tested using position-specific impact simulations for quarterbacks and linemen.
2. Can a football helmet prevent concussions?
No football helmet can completely prevent concussions or serious brain injuries. Even the highest-rated helmets are designed to reduce impact severity, not eliminate risk. That’s why combining equipment innovation with proper tackling technique is essential for player safety.
3. Why is tackling technique important for football safety?
Proper tackling technique plays a critical role in reducing injuries in football. Maintaining head-up posture, tracking correctly, and executing a strong wrap can significantly lower the risk of head and neck trauma. Coaching fundamentals matter just as much as protective gear.
4. How does the NFL test football helmets for safety?
The NFL and NFLPA conduct annual laboratory testing using impact simulations that mimic real in-game collisions. In 2025, they introduced position-specific tests for quarterbacks, offensive linemen, and defensive linemen. Helmets are ranked based on how well they reduce head impact severity.
5. What makes Atavus tackling training different?
Atavus uses a data-driven approach to teach safe, effective tackling techniques that prioritize player safety. Our method is designed to reduce injury risk without sacrificing performance, helping coaches and athletes build safer programs at every level of the game.
