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NFL, Oakley come up with face shields to protect players

NFL, Oakley come up with face shields to protect players
Posted at 12:44 PM, Jul 15, 2020
and last updated 2020-07-15 13:44:02-04

NEW YORK (AP) — With NFL training camps set to start at the end of the month, the league believes it is one step closer to addressing player safety amid the coronavirus pandemic.

It has come up with face shields for the players' helmets.

The face shield was designed by Oakley, which already provides visors for the players.

NFL_Oakley sketches 1
This image provided by Oakley shows sketches of the new face shield designed by Oakley. With NFL training camps set to start at the end of the month, the league believes it is closer to one answer when it comes to player safety in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. Face shields for the players' helmets. (Oakley via AP)

Per the Associated Press, Dr. Jeff Crandall, Chairman of the NFL’s Engineering Committee, said the players and the league have been working together about the device and what their thoughts are on it.

In an interview with ESPN, NFLPA medical director Dr. Thom Mayer said the biggest concern the players' came across was what their visibility would be wearing it during games and if they would be able to breathe.

Dr. Mayer had suggested that players wear face masks to help control the spread of the virus, but players shot down that idea.

The face shield has received a better response than the mask suggestion.

According to ESPN, the Los Angeles Chargers and the Los Angeles Rams were the first two NFL teams to receive the shields since they are located hear Oakley's headquarters.