New helmet by Riddell.
Several Packers players are testing out the NFL's new experimental helmet made by Riddell, which in general features less material on top, and more along the bottom.
Most noticeable are the six inch-long holes that dot the top portion of the helmet, paralleling a raised crown down the center that's similar to what appears on a construction worker's hardhat.
At the base, the helmet has been extended to better protect the jaw. Also protecting the jaw is a new-look facemask that curves underneath the chin and toward the neck to guard against upward blows.
Around the eyes, portions of the helmet have been rounded inward to promote greater peripheral vision.
In addition to being a lighter, more of the helmet's weight has been shifted toward the rear, which is designed to prevent concussions.
Backup quarterback Doug Pederson is among the Packers sampling the helmet. Pederson suspects that had he been wearing the new model in 1998 when struck underneath the chin by Corey Fuller's helmet, he might have been saved the pain of a broken jaw.
"I would have still been hit there and I probably would have gotten a concussion, but I would have to say that (the new helmet) would have helped," Pederson said.
The lighter weight and advanced safety features are enough to make Pederson a fan, even if not all of his teammates find the new helmet fashionable.
Admitted Pederson, "You do get a few, 'What's that on your head?' comments."
Favre Among ESPY Nominees
Nominations for the 10th-Annual ESPY Awards were announced Tuesday, with Packers quarterback Brett Favre among the nominees. Favre is one of eight eligible to be named the NFL's best player.
Other nominees in the category are New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, St. Louis Rams running back Marshall Faulk, Kansas City Chiefs running back Priest Holmes, Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis, New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan, Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher and St. Louis Rams quarterback Kurt Warner.
None of the other 34 awards categories included Packers players.
The ESPY Awards will be held at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood and hosted by Samuel L. Jackson, July 10 at 9 p.m. ET. Winners are selected by the ESPY Awards Academy, which is made up of various athletes, coaches and media members.
Packers Film Segments For NFL Blast
Four Packers players filmed segments for 'The Physics of Football Series,' as presented by NFL Blast, an NFL Films production.
Running back Ahman Green was asked to lend his expertise on turf, explaining the differences between playing on natural grass versus an artificial surface.
Safety Darren Sharper instructed on a player's center of gravity, attempting to explain how smaller defensive backs can bring down larger wide receivers or running backs.
Offensive lineman Marco Rivera and defensive lineman Cletidus Hunt discussed reaction time, which is often the difference between a quarterback finishing plays on his feet or on his back.
Badger/Packers Steak Fry Held For Ninth Time
Packers GM/head coach Mike Sherman was among the attendees of the ninth-annual Badger/Packers Steak Fry, Wednesday night at Shopko Hall. Over past years, the event has raised more than $350,000 for Wisconsin Athletics.
Also among the more than 600 attendees were Packers president Bob Harlan, Wisconsin director of athletics Pat Richter, Wisconsin head football coach Barry Alvarez, former Badgers player and current Packers assistant coach Darrell Bevell, former Badgers player and current Packers player Mark Tauscher and Bucky Badger.
In addition to revenue generated from ticket sales, contributions to Badgers Athletics were boosted through auctioned items, including a Packers helmet autographed by Brett Favre.
