A New York Times report says the NFL isn't giving players guidance and expertise on which helmets are the safest to wear, an ironic situation for a league that has a long list of strict regulations for such things as wristbands and socks.

The Times story says the NFL doesn't offer official recommendations on which helmets have tested as the best to protect against concussions,
and that some players end up making their choices based solely on looks.

“Frankly, the league has been far more aggressive about thigh and hip pads than they have about ensuring that every player has access and information regarding helmets,” DeMaurice Smith, executive director of the N.F.L. Players Association, told the newspaper.

The league mandates only that helmets be certified by the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (Nocsae), which the Times says allows players to use models that scored poorly on impact tests or that have outdated technology.

Giants linebacker Keith Rivers told the Times there's no question "a lot of guys go looks first."

Veteran Giants center David Baas said players tend to stay with what they've worn in the past, rather than explore new models. "I change almost every year to get what’s new, but lots of guys don’t," Baas said. "It’s just not on their radar.”