Boeing is working with Russell Brands to incorporate excess carbon fiber from 787 Dreamliner production into the sports brand’s protective athletic gear.

The companies will expand an initial collaboration that puts the 787’s carbon fiber into Russell Athletic’s CarbonTek football shoulder pads. The CarbonTek with OS Technology shoulder pad system has an exoskeleton made of aerospace-grade carbon fiber, which Russell Athletic says is thinner, stronger and around 10% lighter compared to competitors.

The fiber also offers an increased range of motion and secure fit for the athlete’s body. Several players from Division I universities will wear the CarbonTek gear during the upcoming football season, as well as three pro football players, Pierre Garcon, Mark Ingram and Colt McCoy.

Boeing markets surplus factory materials to meet the company’s environmental and business goals and expects more opportunities to repurpose carbon fiber as it increases the use of composites in its commercial airplanes.