Carson Wentz is one of the first NFL players wearing a revolutionary new helmet designed to reduce concussions

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May 25, 2017 3:31 PM

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz is wearing the Vicis Zero1, a new helmet designed to reduce concussions in football.

While Wentz wasn't under center when the Eagles won their first Super Bowl due to an ACL injury, his play through 14 weeks in 2017 put Philadelphia in a position to succeed, and had Wentz in the conversation for league MVP. You would have a difficult time finding a fan in Philadelphia who would rather have those picks back.

While the controversy over concussions in the NFL rages on, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz is one of the first players using a new helmet that is like nothing seen in the NFL before.

On Wednesday, the NFL posted a photo of Wentz from training camp and the first thing that sticks out is the new oversized helmet he is wearing. That is the new Vicis Zero1, a helmet that has yet to appear in a game but is already considered the safest helmet in the NFL.

Here is the helmet Wentz was wearing in 2016, during his rookie season.

The helmet is made by Vicis, a Seattle-based startup. According to Inc., 25 NFL teams and "at least" 20 college football teams have ordered the helmets for the 2017 season.

While the size of the helmet is certainly noticeable, what really stands out about this new helmet is its flexibility.

The Zero1 is designed to absorb hits better than traditional helmets and to reduce the "shaking" of the brain inside the skull when the head comes to a sudden stop.

Here is a GIF from Vicis showing the difference between their helmet (on the left) and a traditional helmet (on the right). Needless to say, the difference is jarring.

In a recent study conducted by biomechanical experts for the NFL and the NFL Players' Association of 33 helmets approved for use by NFL players, the Vicis was rated as the No. 1 helmet for reducing "

The University of Mississippi is one of the schools that will use the new helmets this upcoming college football season.

According to Vicis, the helmet has a soft outer shell and an inner layer that are separated by a series of columns that are bendable. These columns absorb some of the energy from a collision involving the helmet.

While Wentz may be the first big-name player spotted wearing the new technology, with more players aware of the dangers of head trauma in football, he almost certainly won't be the last.

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