Radio Calls in NFL Defenders

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — Arizona Cardinals linebacker Karlos Dansby at first found his helmet's new radio headset anything but easy listening.

The strange new soundtrack now playing inside designated NFL defensive players' heads dazed Dansby when defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast's voice boomed from his helmet early in training camp.

"The first time I tried the radio helmet, it was so loud everybody else could hear the call in our defensive huddle but me," Dansby laughs. "They had it turned up so loud because we play in noisy stadiums.

This summer, "Can you hear me now?" isn't just a cellphone commercial slogan.

It's the recurring question defensive coordinators and players have been asking during their ongoing adjustment to the league's biggest offseason rules change — the coach-to-defense radio communication system.

"I say to Karlos after signaling in each play, 'Raise your hand if you can hear me,' " Pendergast says. READ MORE