An energy absorbing panel containing a pair of generally parallel spaced apart rigid end plates having a stiffness of at least about 200 N-m and a plurality of fabric layers extending between the rigid end plates oriented in a z-axis direction defined as being perpendicular to the rigid end plates. Each fabric layer contains a plurality of monoaxially drawn, thermoplastic fibers. The plurality of fabric layers are fused together forming a bonded structure. Methods of making the energy absorbing panel are also disclosed.