Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers still seeking suitable helmet, compares new model to 'spaceship'

Aaron Rodgers is looking for a new football helmet that meets his specifications.

He thought he had found one, but it turns out he’s not quite comfortable with what he’s wearing on his head.

“I still don’t like it,” Rodgers said Tuesday about his choice of headwear this summer. “I’m trying to change. We’re in the process still.”

For years, Rodgers wore a Schutt Air XP Q11 helmet. Then, it was banned by the NFL because it didn’t meet safety standards.

That decision left Rodgers, who is entering his 21^st NFL season and first with the Pittsburgh Steelers, scrambling for a new one. Rodgers has been wearing the Schutt Air XP Pro VTD II during training camp.

“It looks like a damn spaceship out there,” Rodgers said. “We have to change it. The facemask doesn’t fit the helmet. It’s an old face mask. I’m trying to find the right helmet now.”

Rodgers has less than four weeks before the Steelers open the regular season Sept. 7 against his most recent team, the New York Jets.

Rodgers did not play in the preseason opener, and coach Mike Tomlin has indicated the 41-year-old quarterback might not play at all in preseason games against Tampa Bay or Carolina.

Rodgers is expected to take part in the joint practice between the Steelers and Buccaneers on Thursday at Acrisure Stadium.

“You get a chance to go about not-vanilla defenses,” Rodgers said. “(Bucs coach) Todd (Bowles) probably won’t show everything, but he’ll do some stuff to stress our protections and give us a chance to get some film to work on.”

For a few minutes Tuesday, it looked like Rodgers’ participation in the joint practice would be in question. His right calf was stepped on by a back-pedaling offensive lineman during an early team period. He departed briefly and had his calf wrapped before returning.

“Nothing of any significance,” coach Mike Tomlin said. “He finished his work.”

Rodgers concluded his first Steelers training camp at Saint Vincent College. He enjoyed the chance to bond with teammates in the dorms and the cafeteria.

“As much as I’ll look forward to my bed and not have to worry about bed bugs at times,” Rodgers said, “I’ll miss this experience because it’s really special to make this walk down the hill every day and see the fans and the crowd even when it’s a hot day like today.”