NCAA Approves Use of AT&T 5G Helmet for Gallaudet University 2024 Football Season

What’s the news?

AT&T and Gallaudet University, the global leader in bilingual education for deaf and hard of hearing students, announce that the AT&T 5G helmet has been approved by the NCAA to be used throughout Gallaudet University's 2024 football season.

This is the first-of-its-kind full-season approval for visual communication by the NCAA for use of a 5G-connected helmet, building on the one-game use of the helmet on Oct. 7, 2023, by Gallaudet University during their game against Hilbert College.

With the connected helmet, which debuted in limited-use only last season, deaf and hard of hearing athletes receive play calls directly on a digital display within the helmet. It was created in collaboration with Gallaudet University, AT&T and Riddell, to enhance on-field communication for student-athletes who use American Sign Language.

Why is it important?

This innovative helmet, which is fully personalized through Riddell’s Precision-Fit technology, helps level the playing field for deaf and hard of hearing athletes by empowering them to receive play calls directly on a digital display within the helmet.

Leveraging the reliability and low latency of AT&T 5G, the plays are sent and received at a speed that keeps pace with the game, improving communication and inclusivity on the field.

The helmet represents a step forward in creating a level playing field for all athletes, eliminating barriers, and creating a safer environment by reducing miscommunication and unwarranted penalties. 

What are people saying?

"Last season was a touchdown moment when the AT&T 5G helmet made its grand debut, scoring big on the field of innovation. It represented a huge moment of pride and continues to be a source of inspiration for how connectivity can create greater possibility,” said Kellyn Kenny, chief marketing & growth officer, AT&T.  “Now, as the next season of college football kicks off, we not only get to celebrate another history making milestone, but we have the opportunity to further collaborate and innovate on ways to drive meaningful change toward making sports more inclusive for everyone.”

“We are thrilled and thankful to the NCAA for allowing the Gallaudet University football program to use the AT&T 5G Helmet for the entire 2024 season,” said Coach Chuck Goldstein, Head Football Coach, Gallaudet University. “This is the next step in the effort to help level the playing field for deaf and hard of hearing players. We look forward to seeing how things go on a week-to-week basis during the fall. We will be able to evaluate and adjust throughout the season instead of only having one game to use this new technology.”

“Advancing protection and performance for all football athletes is our mission at Riddell,” said Thad Ide, Executive Vice President of Research & Product Development, Riddell.  “The unique customization features of the SpeedFlex helmet combined with the first-to-the-field Precision-Fit technology allowed for a seamless collaboration that led to the development of the AT&T 5G-connected helmet, delivering yet another innovation milestone in football.”