A consumer’s guide to the best and worst of sports media and merchandise. Ground rules: If it can be read, played, heard, observed, worn, viewed, dialed or downloaded, it’s in play here.

What: “NFL Under the Helmet” videotape

Price: $14.95

This NFL Films-produced 45-minute tape was spawned from Fox’s Saturday morning show that is geared toward young fans. Adults may enjoy it too, although the music and tight, quick-flash editing in the beginning will appeal more to youngsters, as will most of the dozen or so short feature stories.

The first one is about Doug Flutie playing drums for a rock band called “The Flutie Brothers.” Doug’s brother Darren plays guitar in the band.

Next is a “Back in the Days” segment that has Steve Young talking about football as a youngster, when he was a running back and defensive end. He tells a well-known story of how his mother came out of the stands to grab and shake an opponent who made a particularly hard hit on her son. “After that, I’d always hear, ‘Where’s your mom? Is she going to come out and save you?’ ” Young says. “And, ‘Watch out for Mrs. Young, she gets . . . ‘ “

Most of the vignettes are feel-good stories:

* Former Houston Oiler and current New York Jet Erik Norgard, a 290-pound guard who loves extreme sports such as snowboarding.

* Twins Ronde and Tiki Barber and their relationship with their mother, Geraldine. Ronde is a third-year cornerback for Tampa Bay, Tiki a running back for the New York Giants. Both played at Virginia.

* Atlanta’s Tim Dwight, who returned to Iowa to become the Big Ten 100-meter dash champion and help the Hawkeyes win the conference team championship.

* Paralyzed former Detroit Lion Mike Utley’s love for deep-sea diving and the therapy it provides.

* Terrell Davis’ ride in an Air Force jet.

* Former Trojan and current New York Giant Jason Sehorn working out on a demanding obstacle course used by the Army’s elite 82nd Airborne division for Ranger training.