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The First 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. -
The First Adopted Helmet
Helmets were widely used in football during the 1920s. These helmets consisted of leather with some padding on the inside but provided little protection. While the helmet was developed to protect the head, these helmets lacked face mask and as a result, injuries were still common. -
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 Radio in 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 Full Facemask
During the 1960s and 70s, manufacturers developed thick foam padding that was installed in the helmets and in 1975, the full face mask appeared. -
The Riddell Helmet
By the 1980s, Riddell had become an icon with its classic helmet silhouette with a circular earhole, clean face mask lines, and rounded dome. -
First High Tech Helmet
In 1995 the football helmet went high-tech, when a new rule permitted quarterbacks to have a radio transmitter in their helmets, making it possible for a team’s coach to call in plays without the need for elaborate sideline semaphore. -
Xenith
In 2006, Xenith arrived on the scene of a football helmet industry that was ripe for disruption. -
Riddell Axiom Helmet
The Riddell Axiom Helmet is the newest and greatest in football helmet technology. This helmet became available to teams in the Fall of 2022. -
Today's Helmets
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.