Football Helmets Over Time

First Helmet

Oct 10, 1896

The first helmet was made out of leather by George Barclay and offered little protection.

Helmets Made to Protect the Head

Oct 10, 1917

The helmet was raised up on the forehead to prevent more hits to the head and to cussion the head more.

Wearing Helmets Became Normal

Oct 10, 1920

First Plastic Helmet

Oct 10, 1938

Riddell started making helmets out of plastic because it protected the head more, was cheaper, and could be made more easily.

Helmets are Required to be Worn by the NFL

Oct 10, 1945

Plastic Helmets Became Common

Oct 10, 1950

Single Bar Face Mask

Oct 10, 1955

A bar was added to the helmet to keep players from being hit in the face by a ball or other players.

Another Bar was Added

Oct 10, 1960

Another bar was added to further decrease the risk of being struck in the face.

Air Bladders Were Added to Helmets

Oct 10, 1971

Air bladders were placed into the helmet to further protect the head of the player and reduce the risk of a concussion.

Full Face Masks Were Created

Oct 10, 1975

More bars were added to even further reduce the risk of the player being struck in the face.

Protective Visors were Added

Oct 10, 1984

Protective visors were added to keep the player from being hit in the eye by something, or so that it could be shaded so they could see better.

Polycarbonate Helmets Start Being Produced

Oct 10, 1986

Polycarbonate is a type of plastic and was used to replace the old plastic because it's harder and more durable.

One Bar Face Masks Banned by NFL

Oct 10, 2004

New Concussion Helmets

Oct 10, 2012

With new knowledge about concussions, and they're permanant affects on the rain sensors that sense if the head takes a hit with the power of 100 g's or more as this can cause a concussion. New helmets also have extra padding in them to further protect the head.