As I watched the NU team struggle through another tough game last weekend, with Tulabut and Jake Figueroa each putting up 11 points in what ultimately became their third loss of the season, I couldn't help but think about how proper equipment could make or break a player's performance. Having spent over a decade both playing and coaching American football, I've come to appreciate that having the right gear isn't just about safety—it's about performance enhancement and confidence building. When you're properly equipped, you play differently. You commit to tackles without hesitation, you run routes with better precision, and you maintain focus throughout all four quarters. The difference between proper and improper equipment can easily translate to that crucial 2-3 point swing in a close game.

Let's start with what I consider the most critical piece of equipment—the helmet. Many people don't realize that helmet technology has advanced dramatically in the past five years alone. The days of simple plastic shells with basic padding are long gone. Modern helmets incorporate multi-layered impact absorption systems, with some premium models featuring as many as 18 different padding elements. I personally prefer the Riddell SpeedFlex because its flex panels actually absorb and redirect impact forces away from the head. The difference in protection is substantial—studies show proper modern helmets can reduce concussion risk by up to 35% compared to older models. What many players overlook is the importance of proper fit. A helmet should sit snugly without causing pressure points, and the facemask should allow for clear peripheral vision while providing adequate facial protection.

Moving down the body, shoulder pads represent another area where technology has made significant strides. The modern shoulder pad system does more than just protect your shoulders—it's an integrated protective unit covering shoulders, chest, and back. I always recommend players get professionally fitted for shoulder pads because improper sizing can severely limit mobility. I've seen too many young players make the mistake of choosing oversized pads thinking they'll get more protection, only to find they can't properly raise their arms to catch or tackle. The sweet spot is finding pads that offer complete coverage without restricting your natural movement patterns. For skill position players, I typically suggest lighter, more flexible models weighing around 3-4 pounds, while linemen might need the extra protection of heavier 5-6 pound systems.

The protective gear continues with what I call the "unseen essentials"—items that don't get much attention but prevent some of the most common injuries. A proper mouthguard isn't just about protecting teeth—it significantly reduces concussion risk by absorbing impact forces that would otherwise travel directly to the skull. Then there's the girdle, which provides crucial protection for hips, thighs, and tailbone. I never step onto the field without my custom-fitted girdle with integrated padding. The statistics here are compelling—proper lower body protection can reduce hip pointer injuries by approximately 40% and thigh contusions by nearly 60%. These might not be glamorous pieces of equipment, but they're what keep you playing through the entire season.

When it comes to footwear, the choice becomes incredibly situation-specific. I maintain three different pairs of cleats in my gear bag because field conditions can vary so dramatically. For natural grass fields, I prefer traditional molded cleats with 7-9 studs providing excellent traction without being too aggressive. On artificial turf, I switch to turf shoes with numerous shorter rubber nubs that distribute pressure more evenly. Then there are the hybrid designs for those unpredictable field conditions. The right cleats can improve your 40-yard dash time by 0.1-0.2 seconds—that's the difference between being open for a pass and having it broken up. Beyond cleats, proper socks are surprisingly important. I always recommend moisture-wicking compression socks that extend to just below the knee—they reduce muscle fatigue and prevent blisters that can ruin your performance in the second half.

The final category encompasses what I call "performance accessories"—items that enhance your play rather than just protecting you. Gloves have become increasingly sophisticated, with modern receiver gloves providing incredible grip even in wet conditions. I've tested gloves that can support up to 80 pounds of hanging weight without slipping—that's game-changing when making one-handed catches. Then there's the increasingly popular arm sleeve, which does more than just look cool—it provides light compression that can reduce muscle vibration fatigue by up to 15% during extended play. I also never forget my custom-fitted mouthguard with impact sensor technology that alerts medical staff to potential concussion-level hits.

Looking at the broader picture, having complete and proper equipment creates what I call the "confidence multiplier effect." When you know you're properly protected, you play with greater intensity and focus. You're not subconsciously holding back for fear of injury. This psychological aspect is why I always recommend players invest in quality equipment rather than settling for the bare minimum. The difference between proper and improper equipment could easily account for that 2-3 point margin that separated NU from victory in their recent game. Ultimately, football equipment has evolved from mere protection to true performance enhancement technology. The modern player isn't just putting on pads—they're integrating systems designed to maximize both safety and athletic performance. And in a game where inches and seconds determine outcomes, that technological edge can make all the difference.

LIGHTING, LIGHTING, AND MORE LIGHTING
People are typically drawn to bars solely based on their atmosphere. The best way to knock your next commercial bar design out of the park is using the perfect amount and type of lighting. Use standout light fixtures as their very own statement piece, track lighting for adjustable ambiance, hanging pendant lights over tables, and ambient backlighting to display the alcohol. Bartenders need to serve and customers need to order, so make sure it’s just functional as it is attractive. 

CHOOSING YOUR BARTOP
What may seem so obvious, is often so overlooked in commercial bar design- the material of your actual bartop itself. While we realize stone and marble are as classy and elegant-looking as can be, the reality is that they just aren’t your best option for a durable and long lasting bartop. They crack, have no grip, and break way too many glasses. Opt for a high-quality wood bar instead. Oaks, maples, mahoganies, and ashes are sturdy and provide your customers with a firm grip for their glasses. 

THEME 
In a sea of millions upon millions of bars, how can you make your commercial bar design stand apart from the rest? The answer is to pick a unique, centralized theme and run with it. Whether it’s your next sit-down restaurant bar design, or remodeling the small, locally-favorite gem, you have to find out what your clientele wants. Survey the neighborhood of your establishment and find out what the demographics are there. Maybe a gritty, western bar would be a hit. Or maybe a more modern, sleek design is what’s missing in the area. Whatever theme you decide upon, hit it out of the park with the perfect lighting, wall art, music, and furniture. It’s all in the details. 

THE GUIDE TO YOUR NEXT RESTOBAR 
You’ve got the food, you’ve got the restaurant, you’ve got the customers, now all you need is a beautifully designed bar to top it all off.  Small bar designs for restaurants have a tendency to be a little thrown together and incohesive with the rest of the establishment. Stay on brand- create consistency with tying in the same color scheme, furniture, art, and overall ambiance of the pre-existing restaurant. Make sure the placement of your bar makes sense as well, have it in a place where it’s visible and easy to navigate but not in the way of servers and other guests. If the bar is going to serve food, be sure to consider the location of the kitchen to not obstruct traffic flow. Consider all of these small tips as you work through your next restaurant bar design. 

SPACE CONSTRAINT 
It’s no secret that bars have the reputation of being a little cramped, and in some cases- way too cramped. Consider all of the space constraints while designing your next commercial bar design and we can change that bad rap that bars have been holding for far too long. First and foremost, be sure to measure your bar, barstool, cabinet, and equipment height. Generally, a bar is 42” in height while a stool is 30” in height. Also be sure to allow at least 3’ of space between the bar and the alcohol for the bartender’s functionality and efficiency. Consider multiple register and drink-making stations for bartenders as well. Allowing 2’ between patrons is going to give them enough space to eat and drink, and most importantly, simply be comfortable. All of these considerations are especially helpful if it is a restaurant bar design, where the space is even more valuable.