Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones has taken to the field in recent games sporting a bespoke piece of medical technology: a custom 3D-printed pad designed to protect his broken leg.
From College Idea to NFL Solution
This innovative solution has a personal history. Seven years ago, when Jones suffered a fractured collarbone while at Duke University, two of his teammates created a special pad for him. That same duo, Clark Bulleit and Kevin Gehsmann, have now worked their magic once more, this time crafting a device to fit over Jones' fractured left fibula.
The injured NFL star, who has enjoyed a resurgence this season with the Colts after a difficult period with the New York Giants, revealed he first wore the pad in a loss at Kansas City and again during Sunday's defeat to the Houston Texans. "Lucky to have smart friends who are really close friends," Jones told reporters. He praised the design, noting, "It's pretty low profile and fits to my leg pretty well. I didn't really notice it Sunday."
The Technology Behind the Protection
Bulleit and Gehsmann founded the company Protect3D, which produces custom-printed 3D braces and orthotics to aid athlete recovery. Their process involves an app that allows for scans to be sent to mobile phones or tablets, with the products then printed out. The Durham, North Carolina-based firm states it collaborates with an advisory board of physicians and trainers.
Colts head coach Shane Steichen expressed his admiration for the ingenuity. "I'm an UNLV guy... but at Duke there's like a high [intelligence] level," he said. "I guess it was a couple of players and there were like 'Hey, what if we do this and create this system?' and they've been doing good. It's pretty impressive."
Jones confirmed he received the pad directly from his friend Kevin Gehsmann, who flew to Kansas City to deliver it and attend the game.
Playing Through the Pain
Despite the injury, Jones is determined to continue playing. He has been cleared by Colts doctors and trainers to use the extra padding and insists he feels healthy enough to compete. "I've been cleared to play, and I know it's safe," Jones stated. "I feel good, I think I'm feeling better every week and continue to be able to do more and more, just being mindful of the injury and doing whatever I can to put the team in position to win."
His commitment comes as the Colts (8-4) prepare for a crucial AFC South showdown against the Jacksonville Jaguars (8-4) this Sunday. However, Jones' performance has dipped recently with Indianapolis losing three of its last four games. As opposing defences have increased pressure, his mobility has appeared limited at times, and his passing accuracy has fallen from the standard set in the season's first eight games.
