## 1 Introduction  
Helmet use in sports has been controversial during the early years, but now it is universally accepted that helmets protect players from severe injuries and death. While there is no doubt about the safety offered by protective gear, concerns remain regarding how effective helmets are at preventing concussions/contusions [1]. While there have been personal anecdotal accounts suggesting that certain helmet designs may worsen concussions, these claims are not sufficient to determine the effectiveness of protective gear. It is important for individuals to make informed decisions when selecting helmets and other equipment based on scientific evidence and expert recommendations. Helmets are crucial for the safety of athletes in various sports. The specific design and features of a helmet depend on the athletic activity involved, as seen in football, cycling, or equestrian horse riding. While some designs may focus on preventing skull fractures and maximizing aerodynamics, others have different priorities based on their usage [2]. For example, while football helmets aim at preventing severe head injuries, equestrian helmets prioritize ventilation and temperature control for enhanced rider experience [3, 4]. Regardless, it is essential to remember that after taking an impact even once while wearing a helmet meant for single use, that helmet must be replaced immediately with another one to ensure optimal protection during future activities [5; 6]. In summary, the use of helmets is a crucial aspect of sports safety that should not be overlooked or dismissed lightly. Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) poses a serious threat to those who suffer from repetitive head traumas such as concussions or sub-concussions [7]. This deadly degenerative brain disease damages important regions such as the entorhinal cortex hippocampus and amygdala, leading patients towards several severe symptoms including mood changes, depression, anxiety, short-term memory loss, behavioral issues, and speech difficulties, which eventually affect their day-to-day activities on a long-term basis [8]. Unfortunately, CTE is often only diagnosed posthumously making it difficult to determine the prevalence of the disease in living individuals. The lack of diagnosis during an individual's lifetime makes it harder for health experts and researchers alike furthering the need for extensive research toward preventative measures such as wearing a helmet during contact sports and other high-risk activities. Conclusively, the frequent collisions and physical contact involved in American Football make it a dangerous sport for players. The nature of the game makes it inevitable for athletes to sustain acceleration-deceleration forces that can lead to concussions or contusions in their brains. A study on 202 deceased football players found that 87% exhibited signs of CTE, with the majority showing severe symptoms such as dementia. However, the researchers noted a potential sample bias in their findings [9]. Despite the limitations of that study, it is clear that there is a significant correlation between football and CTE. This highlights the need for further research into preventative measures and better protection for athletes who participate in contact sports. Additionally, increased awareness among both players and coaches about potential risks can help minimize the long-term health effects associated with participation in these activities. Overall, more needs to be done to protect those who put their bodies on the line while playing sports at all levels. Research has demonstrated that rotational acceleration is responsible for generating shear force in the brain, which is strongly associated with concussions [10]. Additionally, studies have shown that impacts to the front of the head produce the highest amounts of rotational acceleration and that hits to the top of the head result in a higher rate of concussions per impact during football matches [11].