It took three plays for Gallaudet quarterback Brandon Washington to feel the real-life impact of the 5G Helmet seen on AT&T's "Sound of Silence" commercial, which has become a staple of college football in 2023.
Washington used the technology from the helmet to change a call on the Bison's third play from scrimmage against Hilbert on Oct. 7. Washington switched which the side the play would run, communicated that at the line of scrimmage and slipped through an opening for a 63-yard touchdown.
All this with the help of a helmet designed to improve communication between coaches and football players who are either deaf or hard of hearing.
"I had not seen the coach, but you hit this red button, and it gets my attention, so I look over at the coach, and you can see him when he pushes that red button giving me that extra advice," Washington said.
How did Washington feel at that moment?
"I was thrilled," Washington said with a laugh. "You're always thrilled. A touchdown is a touchdown every time."
This wasn't just any touchdown, however.
How AT&T 5G helmet changes college football
The innovation was on display at the AT&T booth at Playoff Fan Central at the George W. Brown Convention Center in Houston ahead of the College Football Playoff championship game. Gallaudet – a Division III program in Washington, D.C. – has been a school where deaf and hard of hearing athletes have been able to play.
The 5G helmet is an amazing innovation that will help Gallaudet for years to come. It allows Gallaudet coach Chuck Goldstein to call a play from a tablet. Washington can see the play from an eye lens in his helmet, and can be alerted to look over at his coach with the press of a button. That new-found communication cannot be understated for Gallaudet players.
"When you have the 25-second runoff, when you have to look at coach — that takes like 10 seconds," Washington said. "Multiple play calls are happening. You need to use that time to be able to get together. This new technology — this new helmet — is really helping us use our time more efficiently."
That stream-lined communication process will help Gallaudet attract more deaf and hard of hearing athletes in the future. The Bison did not have a team in 2020-21. Gallaudet have compiled a 16-11 record since, including a 7-3 record in 2022.
Gallaudet was granted a one-game waiver to use the technology this season and Goldstein is hopeful the innovation will be permanent, according to the Associated Press.
Teammate Trevin Adams is the quarterback seen in the AT&T commercial. He received countless texts from friends who saw that commercial. He also said the helmet is a difference-maker.
"I know immediately what's going to happen," Adams said. "It saves us time as far as adjustments on the field as we need to. We can get organized fast whether it's on offense or defense. We just know what happens on the field faster. It really helpful for the pacing of the game."
Ironically, Gallaudet is known for being the "home of the huddle" – which the team utilized in 1894 so they could hide signals from other teams. Now, the Bison are part of an innovation that will help run a no-huddle offense, which is more prevalent in college football today. Washington said the helmet feels heavy at first, and that took an acclimation period. Washington believes this helmet will continue to change the experience for deaf and hard of hearing athletes.
"It's going to change the game for deaf and hard of hearing people all over the nation." Washington said. "We all have the same skills as hearing people."
Adams said that increased inclusion will lead to more break-throughs down the road for Gallaudet. One touchdown showed just how much is possible.
"We have the skills," Adams said. "We are equal as far as what we're able to do on the field. With the helmet, the things we didn't have access to now we have access."