Draft, Not for Release Contact: XXXXXXXX (312) 988-XXX XXXX@webershandwick.com UPMCRESEARCH SHOWS RIDDELL REVOLUTION FOOTBALL HELMET PROVIDES BETTER PROTECTION AGAINST CONCUSSIONS can't say it provides better protection..... CHICAGO (January 23, 2006) - There is now proof that one football helmet provides better protection against concussions. As America prepares for Super Bowl XL, today football helmet manufacturer Riddell announced the findings of a recent three-year study of more than 2,000 high school football players by the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) that validates that the Revolution football helmet provides significantly better protection against concussions.We can't say this. The study, which will be published in February's edition of Neurosurgery, found that athletes who wore the Riddell Revolution helmet, in terms of relative risk, were 31 percent less likely to suffer a concussion compared to athletes who wore traditional football helmets. The authors of the study estimates that the Revolution's patented technology could result in between 18,000 and 46,000 fewer concussions among the 1.5 million high school players who participate in football each season. "The study compared the concussion and recovery rates for high school players wearing Riddell Revolution helmets versus all other helmets standard or traditional helmets," (it is inaccurate to say all other helmets.) said co-author Dr. Michael Collins, assistant director of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Sports Medicine Concussion Program. "Given the Revolution's dramatic effect on the decrease in the occurrence of concussions, this study's findings pose an important breakthrough in sport safety." Dr. Collins does not agree with this quote "dramatic effect...important breakthrough in sports safety" - more - New Concussion Study / Page 2 The Riddell Revolution was the first football helmet designed with the intent of reducing the risk of concussion. The Revolution design features patented technology that was based on extensive research funded by NFL Charities which found that seven out of 10 on-the-field concussions are caused by impacts to the side of the head, not the front or top of the head. Dr. Lovell was not sure about this, this may be incorrect.....you'd better check on this. The unique design of the Revolution helmet is based on a Tru-Curve shell shape, which was computer-designed around the head's center of gravity. It features increased side and facial protection to lessen the impact in these areas. "The reinvention of the conventional helmet began with a focus on the head's center of gravity and increasing protection where it was needed most," added Thad Ide, Riddell's vice president of research and development. "At the heart of the Revolution is its Tru- Curve shell shape -- it enabled us to improve protection, comfort, fit and vision - all great benefits for the athlete." When the Riddell Revolution was introduced in 2002 it was the first major innovation in football helmets in 25 years - since that time more than ### high school and pro players have made the switch from traditional helmets to the Revolution. "The presence of a clear protective advantage compelled us to recommend the Revolution to our players when it was introduced in 2002," said [NAME], [position] for the [TEAM]. "This new data from the UPMC makes an even stronger case that the Revolution provides the best protective option for football." - more - New Concussion Study / Page 3 "As a mother and wife of an ex-NFL player I have a unique perspective," said Jennifer Montana, wife of Pro Football Hall of Famer, Joe Montana. "Our kids' safety is paramount, so when I heard about the protective benefits of the Revolution, I wanted my kids, and the other players from their football league, to have the best protection available. In my eyes, this new research confirms that the Revolution is the best football helmet for my kids." For more than 75 years, Riddell has continued to be the leader in innovation for the protective equipment industry. "True to our roots, Riddell has always made protective equipment innovation a priority," said Bill Sherman, president and CEO of Riddell, Inc. "We're excited that the UPMC results validate the Revolution, but we don't plan to rest on our laurels." For more information about the Riddell Revolution family of products, ask your football coach or athletic director, or log on to www.riddell.com. ###