The Tech Behind the Game by Danielle Novy

Tags: Team, Player, NFL, Radio, Helmet..., CorTemp, Team Management, Games, Management, Personal Technology, National Football League, Business of Football, Gadgets, Technology, Danielle Novy

When it comes to adopting new technology, professional football can be decidedly old school. NFL players often stick to the gear they wore in high school and college for superstitious reasons, says Mark Patterson, VP of sales for sports-equipment retailer Team Express. Still, the sport’s evolution has introduced a few new gadgets to upgrade everything from player safety to on-the-field communication. Here are some of the most important high-tech investments NFL teams have made in recent years.
Breathable shoulder pads

Z-COOL shoulder pads help keep players from over-heating.

Padding usually prevents the body from releasing heat, which means a player’s gear can get stiflingly hot in the middle of a game or practice. Ed Tobergte, president of Gear 2000, invented Z-COOL, a new kind of shoulder-pad technology to help wick away moisture and keep players cooler. A breathable, lightweight fabric layer covers the pads while an inner plastic layer features large holes to let air and moisture flow through the foam. As the athlete perspires, his sweat coats water-proof beads in the padding, letting air circulate to evaporate moisture and help cool down the body.

Who uses it: About 25 percent of teams

Cost: $99.95 to $199.95

Referensi :bnet.com