Helmet manufacturer Schutt has developed a new visor for football helmets that attaches to the inside of a faceguard. Called “Splash Shield,” the visor aims to cover a player’s eyes, nose and mouth in an effort to limit the spread of coronavirus as sports return.
The Splash Shield consists of upper and lower sections that connect together. Schutt designed it to fit football helmets of all sizes and configurations, including those made by competing manufacturers. According to a press release, Schutt hopes the shield will protect players from infectious agents that could be spread through droplets from talking, sneezing, coughing and sweat.
"We need sports to return and this new product will help players in that regard," Kip Meyer, GM for Schutt Sports, said in the release. "The debut of the Splash Shield is perfect timing for teams all over the world, and especially in the U.S., as we are preparing to get ready for football season.”
Schutt will start selling Splash Shield on July 1 for $14.99 through its website and retail partners. The company claims that 37% of NFL athletes wear its helmets, though it is marketing Splash Shield to players at the youth and high school level.
