UNC Football uses high-tech mouthguards in player safety research Posted Nov 23, 2021 UNC is teaming up with the National Football League to measure on-field head impacts using high-tech mouthguards. The NFL announced the pilot program Tuesday that includes four research universities. The Tar Heel football team has worn the smart mouthguards throughout the 2021 football season, and they are currently used by 10 NFL clubs. (UNC.edu)