Summary: The NCAA has approved the AT&T 5G helmet for use throughout Gallaudet University’s 2024 football season, enhancing on-field communication for deaf and hard-of-hearing athletes with a connected digital display system.
Takeaways:
- The AT&T 5G helmet allows deaf and hard-of-hearing players to receive play calls directly on a digital display within the helmet, improving inclusivity and communication on the field.
- The helmet’s approval for full-season use follows its successful limited debut in Gallaudet’s October 2023 game.
- Developed in collaboration with Gallaudet University, AT&T, and Riddell, the helmet leverages AT&T’s 5G network for low-latency play calling, reducing miscommunication and ensuring real-time responses.
AT&T and Gallaudet University, a provider in bilingual education for deaf and hard-of-hearing students, announced that the AT&T 5G helmet has been approved by the NCAA to be used throughout Gallaudet University’s 2024 football season.
This full-season approval for visual communication by the NCAA for the use of a 5G-connected helmet builds 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.
“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,” says 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.”
A 5G-Connected Football Helmet
This new 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, says AT&T.
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.
“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,” says 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.”
Photo: AT&T
