Ezekiel Elliott trying out new Riddell helmet at Cowboys OTAs

The Dallas Cowboys OTAs featured a lot of the new rookies fighting for a spot on the 53-man roster. However, the usual suspects were also there getting ready to work together to create a much better outcome in 2022. While Ezekiel Elliott wasn’t one of the newer faces, The Athletic’s Jon Machota did notice that the Cowboys RB was sporting a new helmet.

Since his days at Ohio State University, Elliott has worn Riddell’s “Speedflex” model. Although he did make some aesthetic changes (like visor shades and cages) to the helmet over the last six years, he always chose the same model. This offseason, it appears that the RB1 is trying something new – the Riddell Axiom.

The helmet features the latest technology from the company and is even custom fit to players’ heads using Riddell’s “Tru-Fit System.” As seen in this video, players wear a covering over their heads that has little dots and sensors on it. From there, a tablet is used to perform a digital scan of the exact shape of their heads in order to create the most optimized and unique fit for each individual.

In the past, helmet companies could only customize to a player’s needs with an air adjustment or inserting foams. This updated model is said to also provide better visibility for players. There are several collegiate programs trying it out, and even pros like J.J. Watt and Budda Baker have been seen practicing in them.

Dallas Cowboys running back sporting the new Riddell Axiom customized helmet at OTAs

While also explaining that he is fully recovered and healthy after a partial PCL tear, Elliott told reporters that this is by far the biggest change he’s ever made to his uniform. The only other thing that he could think of was when he changed his shoulder pads one year.

There is also new technology in the helmet that allows for better absorption impact, which is certainly a plus for the running back position. Additionally, the Axiom provides has sensor technology that collects and sends data from the field in real-time to allow the training staff to monitor player safety. While he didn’t sustain any head injuries last season, it’s unsurprising that a player who experiences so much impact would want to try out the newest technology:

"“They come out with the new Ford F-150, you know what I’m saying? You got the old one, you want the new one.”"

Elliott will need a lot more than a new helmet in 2022 to prove to Cowboys fans and staff that he is worth the massive contract he is on. His backup, Tony Pollard, who was also seen wearing the same helmet, is training and getting ready to come for his job once again.