NCAA Approves Gallaudet CFB Team’s Use of Helmet for Deaf or Hard of Hearing Players

Mike Chiari@@mikechiariFeatured Columnist IVSeptember 14, 2024

AGNES BUN/AFP via Getty Images

The NCAA has given Gallaudet University’s Division III football team approval to wear helmets tailored to deaf and hard of hearing players for the rest of the 2024 season.

According to Stephen Whyno of the Associated Press, the helmets, which Gallaudet wore for one game last season, project a play from a coach’s tablet on the sidelines into the quarterback’s helmet, allowing them to see it visually.

Gallaudet, which is located in Washington, D.C., was founded in 1864 and is the oldest university in the world meant primarily for deaf and hard of hearing students.

Last season, Gallaudet was permitted to wear the special helmets for one game, and it coincided with the the Bison’s first win of the season after an 0-4 start.

The helmets, which were co-developed by Gallaudet University and AT&T, are meant to get ahead of the technological advancements coming to college football.

Gallaudet Bison @GallaudetBisonAT&T and Gallaudet University collaborated on this one-minute national commercial about the AT&T 5G Helmet and the Bison football program.@ATT | @GallaudetU | #HomeOfTheHuddle #GUBison | #ConnectingChangesEverything pic.twitter.com/cAV30gWZfR

Starting this season, FBS teams are now allowed to utilize audio communication inside helmets, and Gallaudet head coach Chuck Goldstein told Whyno that helmets with visual technology will allow his team to keep pace with others if and when audio helmets are approved for Division III:

“It’s just a matter of time before it comes on down to our level, which would really put us at a disadvantage if we didn’t have an opportunity like this. We’re grateful to have that opportunity to keep going and learning and see what feedback we can give the NCAA and kind of tell them about our journey.”

Gallaudet opened its 2024 slate with a 17-6 road loss to Albright, and its home opener is Saturday against the United States Merchant Marine Academy.

Unfortunately for the Bison, they won’t be able to use the new helmets Saturday because their top two quarterbacks got injured and there was not enough time to get another helmet fitted for a third quarterback before the home opener.

However, Goldstein is hopeful the helmet will be ready to get rolled out in time for Gallaudet’s next home game against George Mason on Sept. 28.