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NFL looking at using helmet sensors as soon as this season

Some youth, high school and college football teams have been fitted with sensors. They have been used to test players for everything from G-force impact to monitor for concussions by researchers.

NFL officials said Wednesday that the league is close to fitting a limited number of players for sensors, according to USA Today. The news was released during the announcement for the second Head Health Challenge, a joint venture with Under Armour and General Electric to find ways better protect heads of football players and beyond.

Dr. Guskiewicz has been using sensors for years while doing studies with the North Carolina Tar Heels football team. His sensor findings helped him convince the NFL to move kickoffs from the 30 to the 35-yard line.

One NFL official told NFL Evolution that Dr. Guskiewicz's timeline may faster than the league's. However, the NFL is looking down this path.

It remains to be seen how the players will react to such technology. One retired player, Hines Ward, told ESPN via Pro Football Talk that he would not be thrilled with it.

-- Bill Bradley, contributing editor

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