What’s the one-helmet rule?
The NFL has always established strict rules on the league. The one-helmet rule was set in 2013, requiring players to wear the same helmet for practice and play. This rule was created, concerning the endangerment of players suffering from concussions and other play-related injuries. Switching helmets during the season could cause a compromise in safety for players. Sticking to one helmet allowed there to be room to focus on the safety and quality of field-use helmets.
This rule has never been a popular one, it prevents fans from seeing cool, alternate and throwback designs in action. If you saw your favorite team sport an alternate design lately, the original helmet went through a process: stripping it of its decals, facemask, and any other accessories to create an alternate design on theoriginal shell.
All in favor
In 2017, interest in changing the one-helmet rule arose by the Philadelphia Eagles. They wanted teams to be allowed an alternate helmet. The league put the proposal to silence.
The topic hasn’t stayed off the radar, though. Derrick Henry, Titans RB showed his favor for the revival of throwback helmets on Twitter, “... but can we bring the throwback jerseys & helmets back”
The matter was also brought up by Bucs Coach Bruce Arians. Arians mentioned the return of Bucco Bruce throwbacks in 2021 on The Dan Patrick Show. The change was officially announced on Twitter by ProFootballTalk.
What does this mean for NFL teams?
So it looks like we should have new looks coming! Teams can wear alternate color helmets for the first time in years. Plans are being made and each team has until the end of July to notify the league of plans to wear an alternate helmet.
Players are now allowed to add an additional helmet to their uniform. The second helmet, however, must be the same model as their primary helmet. For example, if a Seahawks player wears a Navy XL Riddell SpeedFlex, their silver alternate helmet also has to be anXL Riddell SpeedFlex. Players must wear the secondary helmet for practice before it makes an appearance on game day to ensure safety.
Let's look back at some throwbacks!
We all love the old designs- Pat Patriot, Bucco Bruce, Houston Oilers. The alternate color helmets are great too. Check out this red Atlanta Falcons helmet!
To prepare for the arrival of throwback designs on the field, pick up your favorite team’s throwback helmet! We have tons of NFL Throwback Collectibles here!
Are you looking forward to the 2022 season? It looks like the future of the NFL is changing for the better! Watch us talk about the rule change below!
Amanda Phillips is the Content Marketing Developer for Green Gridiron. She has a BS in Media and Communications. Amanda is skilled with writing for multiple media platforms, photography, and editing. She enjoys anything creative that she can get her hands on.
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As an enthusiast and expert in NFL regulations, particularly those related to player safety and equipment, I can confidently affirm the depth of my knowledge on the subject matter. My understanding extends beyond the surface, delving into the intricate details and historical context of rules like the one-helmet rule in the NFL.
The one-helmet rule, instituted in 2013, mandates that NFL players must wear the same helmet for both practice and play throughout the season. This regulation was implemented to address concerns about player safety, specifically regarding the risks of concussions and other injuries associated with helmet use. The rationale behind the rule is rooted in maintaining consistency in helmet safety standards and avoiding potential compromises that could arise from switching helmets during the season.
Despite the safety-driven intentions of the rule, it has been met with mixed reactions, particularly from fans who are deprived of seeing their favorite teams don alternate and throwback helmet designs during games. The process of creating alternate designs involves stripping the original helmet of its decals, facemask, and accessories to apply a new design on the original shell.
In 2017, the Philadelphia Eagles expressed interest in revisiting the one-helmet rule, advocating for teams to be permitted alternate helmets. However, the league rejected the proposal, maintaining the status quo.
Recently, there has been a resurgence of discussions around the one-helmet rule. Players like Derrick Henry, a running back for the Titans, and influential figures like Bucs Coach Bruce Arians have voiced support for the return of throwback helmets. The Buccaneers' decision to bring back Bucco Bruce throwbacks in 2021, announced on Twitter by ProFootballTalk, signals a potential shift in the league's stance on helmet designs.
The latest development in this narrative indicates a loosening of the one-helmet rule. NFL teams now have the opportunity to introduce alternate color helmets, offering fans a visual treat of new and nostalgic designs on the field. Each team has until the end of July to notify the league of their plans to incorporate alternate helmets into their uniforms.
However, there are stipulations to this change. Players can now add an additional helmet to their uniform, but the second helmet must be the same model as their primary helmet. Safety measures are in place to ensure that players practice with the secondary helmet before using it in an actual game, emphasizing the league's commitment to player well-being.
As we look forward to the 2022 season, it's evident that the NFL is undergoing positive changes, allowing for more creative expression through alternate helmet designs. Fans can anticipate seeing iconic throwback designs like Pat Patriot, Bucco Bruce, and Houston Oilers, as well as vibrant alternate color helmets, adding a new dimension to the visual spectacle of NFL games.
