Nicholas Esayian from LIGHT Helmets joined Roy Kessel and the Sports Philanthropy Network on Radio Row at Super Bowl LVIII. He shared his insights into advancements in helmet technology and player safety.
Nicholas Esayian
Nicholas Esayian is a multifaceted professional known for his contributions as an entrepreneur, former professional racecar driver, and public speaker. He is the founder and CEO of LIGHT Helmets, a company that designs, tests, manufactures, and markets innovative helmets for sports such as football, flag football, and soccer. Under his leadership, LIGHT Helmets has been recognized for integrating advanced materials and technologies from military, aviation, and auto racing industries to enhance athlete safety and performance.
Before venturing into the business world, Esayian had a distinguished career as a professional racecar driver. His experience in high-speed motorsports has provided him with unique insights into safety and performance, which he has effectively translated into his entrepreneurial endeavors. Beyond his roles in business and racing, Esayian is also an author and public speaker, sharing his experiences and knowledge on topics ranging from innovation to leadership.
Esayian’s commitment to excellence is evident in his educational background, holding an MBA, and his active involvement in various industries. His diverse skill set, and experiences have positioned him as a thought leader, particularly in the realms of sports safety and technology integration. Through LIGHT Helmets, he continues to drive change, aiming to set new standards in helmet safety and design across multiple sports.
Light Helmets
LIGHT Helmets is at the forefront of revolutionizing sports safety by integrating advanced materials and technologies from military, aviation, and auto racing industries. Their mission is to design ultra-lightweight yet robust helmets that enhance player performance and protection across various sports, including football, flag football, and soccer. By challenging traditional helmet designs, LIGHT Helmets aims to reduce fatigue and improve on-field performance, addressing the limitations posed by heavier headgear.
The company’s product lineup includes the LS2 Youth and Varsity helmets, the Apache helmet engineered for innovation and performance, the Gladiator ATK endorsed by the NFLPA/NFL for its advanced protection, and the SS1 headgear, which has earned a perfect 0.00 impact score and 100% coverage rating from Virginia Tech’s independent labs, making it ideal for flag football and soccer players. Each helmet is meticulously crafted to provide a secure fit, superior protection, and enhanced comfort, ensuring athletes can perform at their best while minimizing the risk of injury.
Complementing their helmets, LIGHT Helmets offers a range of accessories designed to further enhance player safety and comfort. These include ultra-light football visors that provide superior protection, Chrome Dome Skull Caps made from fine Italian fabric for moisture-wicking and comfort, and stainless-steel facemasks that offer durability without adding unnecessary weight. By providing these thoughtfully designed accessories, LIGHT Helmets ensures athletes have access to comprehensive protective solutions tailored to their specific needs.
WATCH INTERVIEW
0:01–0:09 – Roy Kessel welcomes guest Nick Esayian from White Helmets, discussing new technology in helmets aimed at preventing brain injuries and concussions.
0:37–0:50 – Brain injuries are a major concern in football, causing many young athletes to shift to flag football instead of tackle.
1:01–1:30 – White Helmets’ Apache model is ranked #1 at Virginia Tech and is in the highest safety category in the NFL. Their helmets weigh about half of traditional helmets, reducing strain on players.
2:38–2:46 – NFL and youth helmets may look similar but have completely different internals due to cost, size, and speed of play.
3:00–3:21 – Most helmet tests are done in labs, not under real-game conditions. White Helmets tests under different temperatures, elevations, and humidity levels.
3:31–3:53 – White Helmets is backed by Navy SEALs, Tony Romo, FedEx founder Fred Smith, and NFL players like Tyrod Taylor and Cam Jordan.
4:22–5:06 – High school and college helmets are custom fitted, but once a player retires, those helmets become useless. White Helmets’ youth models can be resized as kids grow, making them cost-effective.
6:01–6:31 – Lighter helmets reduce stress on players’ necks and help prevent head whip injuries. Removing two pounds from a helmet is equivalent to shedding weight off an F1 car—enhancing performance.
6:56–7:42 – New youth helmet standards require them to be under 3.5 pounds, but implementation has been slow. White Helmets already meet this standard, showing proactive commitment to safety.
8:03–8:47 – Nick supports the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, which funds education for children of fallen military special operators. The interview ends with a call to “Live Generously” from Sports Philanthropy Network.
