Thanks to a anonymous donation, Missouri Western football players will have the safest helmet options available – VICIS ZERO1 helmets which were the highest-rated helmets in 2018 NFL and NFLPA testing. Additionally, the team also purchased top-rated Riddell and Schutt helmet models.

All members of the 2019 Griffon football team will have two helmets, one black and one white, that meet the top-performance standards from recent studies by the NFL and Virginia Tech.

“We are extremely fortunate to have program supporters that share our vision for Missouri Western becoming a leader in NCAA Division II Athletics,” said Josh, Looney, director of athletics. “Prioritizing student athlete health and safety is a crucial pillar in the continued development of Griffon Athletics. I believe this investment makes MWSU football the most advanced D-II program in the country as it relates to student athlete safety.”

The ratings in the NFL study were based on the helmets’ ability to reduce head impact severity measures in laboratory testing. Test conditions were intended to represent potentially concussive head impacts in the NFL. Several Griffons wore VICIS helmets during the 2018 season and were impressed with the performance and comfort of the helmets.

The 2019 season will be the 50th season of Missouri Western football. The anniversary will be celebrated throughout the season, and will include uniform selections featuring the new helmets.