USFL to use SAFR helmet covers during practices to prevent impact-related head injuries

USFL players have begun wearing Scientifically Advanced Force Reduction (SAFR) helmet covers during practice sessions this season as the polyurethane foamed product continues to spread throughout the sport.

After a study last December at the Virginia Tech Helmet Lab showed the covers lowered the risk of concussion by as much as 77 percent — and by 72 percent on "harder hits" — the Hokies football program decided to fit its entire team in the product for the upcoming 2023 fall season.

The USFL’s President of Football Operations Daryl Johnston is a former Pro Bowl fullback for the Dallas Cowboys and said data from the Virginia Tech study was tantamount in the decision to add the helmet covers.

On the NFL level, teams wear similarly foamed Guardian Caps during preseason practices, although Carolina Panthers tackle Ikem Ekwonu is a SAFR spokesman who claims he never had a headache after wearing the SAFR product in college at North Carolina State.