-
1869 Football Helmet
The first use of football headgear dates back to 1869 when George “Rose” Barclay, the Lafayette College halfback, started to use straps and earpieces to protect his ears. -
Period: to
Evolution Of Football Helmet
The Evolution of Football Helmet
Some of the first football helmets to be used in the National Football League (NFL) were used in the early 1920’s when the NFL was first created. These helmets were made of soft leather that offered very little protection for your head. The man who invented basketball, James Naismith, was the creator of this first type of leather helmet. As technology advanced and football became more popular, the helmet became safer. -
First Strap On Helmet
In 1896 he developed a thick dome-shaped leather helmet which provided better protection and a more robust ear cap. This version of the football helmet included the first-ever chin strap; two leather strips that tied beneath the chin and kept the helmet on player’s heads as they grappled on the gridiron. -
The First Plastic Helmet
It wasn’t until 1939 when the first plastic helmet became available. The Riddell Company of Chicago manufactured the first plastic helmet, believing it was safer than the leather options that were being used on the field. The plastic frame was able to hold its shape when collision occurred and included more padding and cushion for safety. The plastic helmet also included a plastic face mask, protecting the entire head. -
First Helmet Designs
With the introduction of faulty plastic helmets, the material was now “good” enough to put designs on it. In 1948, the Los Angeles Rams’ RB Fred Gehrke put horns on his helmet, which would be later adopted by the league in order to distinguish the teams more effectively. -
The First Radio Inside Of The Helmet
In 1956, The Cleveland Browns were the first team to implement the use of a small radio inside of the helmet to communicate effectively between the quarterback and the coach. -
The Last Non Face Masked Helmet
Former Detroit Lion Garo Yepremian was the last NFL player to play without any facemask, only adapting the crossbar in 1967. “’I would wake up every morning with blood in my mouth,’ he told ESPN. ‘I learned my lesson.’” -
The Full Face Mask
During the 1960s and 70s, manufacturers developed thick foam padding that was installed in the helmets and in 1975, the full face mask appeared. -
First Visored Helmet
In 1984, the first visors were used to help block out the sunlight and avoid the glare of the sun, in order to play the game more efficiently. With the help of the bikers helmet, it was an easy transition from bike helmet to football helmet with few adjustments. -
The Riddell Speed Flex
The stainless steel facemask offers better field vision for the player while the padding materials inside the helmet help to absorb impact energy while retaining position and purpose over extended durations of play. 2014. -
Todays Football Helmet
Today, NFL athletes are allowed to choose their own helmets mostly for protection but also for nostalgia and aesthetic. But in today's NFL environment helmets must be approved by the National Operating Committee on standard for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE). Technology of helmets has progressed that allows companies to help athletes add another layer of protection to their helmets and limit injuries as much as possible.