Abstract: A protective equipment assembly for reducing concussive forces and risk of chronic traumatic encephalopathy includes shoulder pads, a helmet, and a bracing element. The bracing element is attached to and extends from one of the helmet and the shoulder pads and is selectively attachable to the other of the helmet and the shoulder pads. The helmet thus is substantially fixedly positioned relative to the shoulder pads. Padding is attached to an inner surface of the helmet and define an interior space that is larger than a head of the user, thereby allowing the user to rotate and to pivot their head. The bracing element limits motion of the helmet relative to the shoulder pads upon application of a force to the helmet or to the shoulder pads while the padding reduce forces applied to the head and a neck.