A century of innovation keeps Riddell ahead of the game

For over a century, Riddell has been synonymous with football safety innovation. TechNexus examines how the company stays ahead by embracing startup partnerships and new technologies to keep pushing the boundaries of athlete protection.

At TechNexus Venture Collaborative, we’re experts in corporate innovation. For a decade we’ve accelerated business opportunities between leading corporations and hundreds of startups, creating new products, services, and business models to help drive growth. We’re also deeply connected to Chicago, which we’ve called home since our founding in 2007. Combining our corporate innovation chops and love for the Windy City, TechNexus is launching a series called Corporate Innovation, Chicago Style . This interview series will offer Q&As with executives at iconic Chicago corporations who discuss their approach to technology, startups and innovation. Innovation is in Riddell’s DNA. The nearly 100-year-old football helmet maker got its start when founder John Tate Riddell created the first removable cleat. In 1939, he invented and perfected the first plastic helmet shell and interior suspension system, which was used not only on the football field but also on the battlefield, protecting U.S. soldiers during World War II. Chicago-based Riddell has grown into the market leader for football helmets, with its protective gear worn across the NFL and college football, along with high schools and youth players. More than three quarters of the NFL, nearly 90% of college players, and more than 2 million youth players wear Riddell helmets. But for Riddell, innovation means more than increasing market share and growing the bottom line. Technological advancements in helmets are critical to the health and safety of football players everywhere, and Riddell has supercharged its innovation roadmap over the last 20 years to answer the call. We spoke with Erin Griffin, the SVP of marketing & communications at Riddell, about the company’s newest product innovations, its Chicago innovation center, how it collaborates with other technology firms, and the importance of continuous innovation to stay true to its mission of improving player protection. Q: Let's start by talking about corporat

By Matt Meyers at TechNexus Venture Collaborative