History of football helmets

First football helmet

1891

This is recorded as one of the first football helmets ever put into use. It was made by James Naysmith who played for the YMCA Training College. He was also known as the Father of basketball.

Next evolution of the football helmet

1893

This helmet was recorded to be made by Joseph M. Reeves who was in the United States Naval Academy. He was told if he had one more injury to his head, it would cause instant insanity.

Third evolution of football helmet

1894

This one was developed in 1894 by George Barclay who attended Lafayette College. He had this made by a shoemaker after having many injuries to his ears.

Fourth evolution of the football helmet

1900

This was a design made to protect the head more from injuries.

Moving into a new century design

1910

This helmet was designed to offer the athlete better coverage and held in place with a strap

Transition of design

1920

This design was a thicker leather and softer on the inside. It protected the ears better and was a bit more breathable.

Evolution continues

1930

A slightly more modified version of the 1920's helmet.

Introduction of plastic helmet

1939

This was the first year that plastic helmets were introduced. They often broke on first contact and were unsafe.

Introduction of the logo

1940

This was the year the first logos were designed on the football helmet.

Safety bar added

1950

The first safety bar was added to the plastic helmet and designed to protect the face from contact.

Change of design

1970

This was the decade when improved helmets were made. There was more padding, stronger plastic, and a better face mask.

First poly carbonate helmet

1986

This helmet became the new standard in safety of football helmets. The material was stronger and designed to protect the head better against impacts. The padding absorbed more shock.

First radio transmitter in helmet

1995

This was the year that allowed advanced technology to lead the way. The radio transmitter allowed coaches and quarterbacks to communicate from the sideline and on the feild.

Into a new century

2000

The evolution of this design produced helmets with better padding for shock absorption. The overall design kept improving for player safety.

Continued improvement

2010

Technology in this decade continued to allow for improved design and safety features based on continuing research in the field of football.

Latest design of the football helmet

2020

This is the most modern design of the football helmet. It meets the highest standards for player safety and protection against head injuries. The goal of today's helmet is to decrease the future of long term damage caused by head injuries.