NFL helmets could be getting a coronavirus faceshield

The NFL has revealed its plan to combat the coronavirus on the field.

As the coronavirus rages across the United States, many have become pessimistic about an NFL season, including players themselves. If they expects players to play amid the risks of the virus, the league must implement numerous safety measures to ensure players’ health. The first of which has emerged in the coronavirus faceshield.

Oakley and the NFL have united to produce a facemask to prevent the spread of the virus while preserving players’ view of the field. This design has been fine-tuned according to player feedback to ensure maximum comfort and visibility, with positive results among early users.

Despite the lack of an official mandate ordering players to wear the facemask, the NFL’s chief medical officer, Dr. Allen Sills, expressed his hope they would adopt the mask in a story on ESPN.

Is safety or performance more important for NFL players?

One player who is not entirely on board that hope is J.J. Watt, who spoke vehemently against the facemask to ProFootballTalk by comparing it to the visors that have become commonplace in the league.

"I had it on for about three periods of practice and I said, ‘Take this sucker off — I’m gonna die out here.’ … So now you’re gonna put something around my mouth? You can keep that. If that comes into play, I don’t think you’re gonna see me on the field.”"

Looking at the design specifically, it does not seem to compromise sight or breathability, but the wide slits leave questions of its effectiveness, despite the league’s decree that no transmission of particles is possible.

Other companies are producing masks and more ideas will come to the forefront, giving players like Watt the opportunity to find a mask best suited to themselves.

It may become a necessity too if players hope to play amid the pandemic. A little bit of discomfort is worth the safety in that case.