PITTSBURGH (AP) — Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison says he’s endured “double digit” concussions during his career and is turning to a special sort of padding to help combat the issue.
The four-time Pro Bowler said Tuesday he’s never missed a game due to concussions but began using advanced padding to help deal with future head collisions. Harrison began wearing equipment inside his helmet initially developed as body armor for U.S. armed forces about a year ago after fracturing .
Harrison was the first NFL player to use CRT padding in his helmet. The padding is designed with military-grade Kevlar and Harrison said the quarter-inch buffer has helped dramatically reduce the number of postgame headaches that had been commonplace throughout his career.
Harrison said the additional weight of the padding is well worth the feeling of safety it provides.
