This four-part series examines the NFL’s $60 million investment in the Engineering Roadmap to develop research and technology to make football safer. Part one discusses the data behind the controversial helmet rule. Part two outlines the engineering work supporting the roadmap. This part discusses the crowdsourcing of innovative solutions. Part four looks at the future of the program and a new data collection device.
At a pediatric neurosurgery conference in Hawaii five years ago, Dr. Samuel Browd listened to a presentation about a new type of foam liner for football helmets.