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1869
The first football equipment was just uniform, as the game originated from rugby. -
Period: to
Timeline of football equipment
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the first padding
The first football pads were bags of cotton and horse hair sewn into the jersey. -
Walter Camp
Walter Camp, known as "The Father of Football", forever changed the game with rules and regulations which called for safer equipment to be made. -
The first helmet
The first football helmet was created by James Naismith, the inventor of basketball. -
First In-game use
The first time a helmet was used in a football game was reported at an Army vs. Navy game in Annapolis. -
The first separate padding
The first separate pads were made separate to the uniform and strapped onto the players instead of sewn into the jersey. -
First Plastic Helmets
A sporting company released plastic football helmets which put an end to leather helmets. -
Required piece of equipment
Although they were made decades prior, football helmets weren't made mandatory until 1943, with the last person to not wear a helmet in-game coming in 1940 by Dick Plasman. -
Facemask
The first purposeful face mask was built in order to improve appearance and marketing of players. -
First cleats
The first football cleats were made in order to play in different surfaces and fields to make play more competitive. -
Better Padding
In the 70's, the same sports company responsible for the first plastic helmet, introduced vinyl pads that could better absorb impact and fit better. -
Equipment now
Aside from what I've shown you football equipment has had much changes besides more of something or a different variation of it, such as shoulder pads getting bigger and more durable, or helmets changing masks and more durable.