Today we got the 2nd Jets drop. It’s a throwback to the 1965-77 helmet and was worn in 2024.
The Jets have worn five different versions of this helmet. The 2024 throwback has a different color than the actual helmet the Jets wore in 1965-77. I’ll compare the new speed limited helmet to the 2-bar pocket helmet when the speed helmet arrives in the mail.
Years
Jets logo color
Facemask color
Pocket helmet
1965-77
Kelly green (logo at a slight angle some years)
Grey
2-bar factory
1998-18
Hunter green
Hunter green
traditional revolution speed chrome
2016-18 alternate
Hunter green
White
None
2015, 2017-18
Metallic green
Metallic green
None
2024 throwback alternate
Legacy green
Grey
Speed (limited edition)
The current checklist is below. There are seven more left! I think the Saints, Jaguars, and Colts throwbacks will also be released.
The 1976 Cowboys throwback dropped. This is the third Cowboys limited edition helmet and 7th from the NFC East, which is the most. It is the exact same as the regular Cowboys helmet, except with a red stripe. The Cowboys brought this helmet back as a throwback in 2021.
Riddell has made this helmet before. It was made in the traditional style for the Cowboys 4-piece team set.
March 7, 2024April 17, 2025Sept. 4, 2025
Below are the updated counts. With the except of the Saints throwback, I have to think the NFC is done for this year. That leaves room for the Jaguars, Colts, and Jets throwbacks. Almost certainly the Jaguars as that’s appeared on eBay (likely bootlegged). Maybe the Bengals throwback with the letters as well?
I couldn’t find good pics of the 2025 rivalries helmets. But FB Helmet Guy makes awesome graphics. Check the site because the graphics and helmet designs are really good: https://x.com/FB_Helmet_Guy. Here are other fun facts:
The Jets have A LOT of alternates, including 1993, 1994, 2016-18, 2022-23, 2024-present, and now the 2025 rivalries. And only the 2024 black alternate is the only factory made helmet.
This will be the Bills first alternate since their classic 1994 alternate. No factory helmet available for this helmet.
This is the first Seahawks alternate helmet.
This is the 3rd Cardinals alternate. The first in 2016 was a ‘color rush’ alternate with a darker shade of cardinal red in the logo. The second was the black 2023-present alternate.
These are the first alternates for the Rams, 49ers, and Patriots.
In 1994, the Dolphins wore their 1960’s throwback. But it had an aqua facemask, so it was more of an alternate throwback.
Looking at the lineup, I think two four-helmet sets would be AWESOME. We’ll see what Riddell does with these, if anything.
With the exception of the Seahawks (and maybe Cardinals), all of the helmets use the recent black or white trend. That might be a little played. Rather than lean into a team’s colors and do something creative, these helmets come off as kind of bland. For example, what about a white Rams helmet with blue or gold horns? The 49ers could have gone with a red helmet. I think a blue Patriots helmet would be cool.
Josh Allen Alternates
Speaking of alternates, the Bills could have gone with some of the alternates Josh Allen was worn over the last few years in the pre-season. He’s got a nice tradition going. I think they look sharp. In 2025, Allen wore the throwback the Bills will wear during the season.
Riddell dropped the Texans 2024 alternate. Once one recognizes the horns, it’s not a bad design. I prefer the 2023 red alternate, but I don’t think we will see that one as Riddell seems focused on 2024 and beyond.
So, who is left from 2024? As always, check out the graphic by Michael Dole on the pocket helmet Facebook site. It’s really cool. For 2024, we still have:
Packers 2021-present “throwback. This one is plain yellow with a grey facemask. The Packers actually never wore this style helmet, but they did wear a plain yellow leather helmet.
Jaguars 1995-2008 throwback, worn in 2024. If you didn’t already feel old, let that sink in: a helmet worn in 2008 is already a throwback!
Steelers throwback (the same helmet but with a grey facemask)
So, Riddell has released 16 out of 25 for the 2025 limited edition series, leaving nine helmets left. They’ll have to go back to 2023 or look ahead to the 2025 season.
I think the Jaguars are in the que. I wouldn’t be surprised if all the helmets in the list above, except for maybe the Packers or the Steelers, will be next. Here’s the updated stats:
Over the years, Riddell has made pocket helmets commemorating the Super Bowl. 115 of them, to be exact. Some include the winner logo and Super Bowl logo on the side. Others include the super bowl logo on both sides. A few have the Super Bowl logo on one side and a corporate logo on the other.
Riddell manufactured helmets with the team logo and super bowl logo for super bowls 1 through 44. As far as I can tell, Riddell manufactured helmets with the super bowl logo on both sides for super bowls 17, 22, 26, 36-48, and 50-53. Super Bowl 53 is the last super bowl helmet Riddell made.
In this post, I am writing about the helmets with the Super Bowl logo on both sides because for years, I have been searching for the super bowl 48 helmet…and I finally found one on eBay. It is included in the photos below.
Super Bowl 36 (back row, right) – in the Super Bowl 36-piece set and sold individually. This helmet is chrome.
Super Bowl 37 (back row, left) – I think this helmet was sold individually
Super Bowl 38 (front row, right) – one is silver and chrome, and the other white
Super Bowl 39 (front row, left)
I like the unique design of these helmets. It’s a creativity that was lacking for about the next 10 years.
Super Bowl 40
For super bowl 40, Riddell manufactured a four-piece team set. These are the first super bowl helmets in the revolution style.
Super Bowl 41-47
All in the Revolution style, these helmets had the exact same logo on both sides. All sold individually.
Super Bowl 48, 50-53
For these six super bowls, Riddell alternated the logos with the officially super bowl logo (which I find kind of boring) and the hosting city logo, which in general is more creative.
I cannot find an official factory helmet for super bowl 49. I speculate Riddell skipped that year.
To my knowledge, Riddell stopped making super bowl pocket helmets altogether after Super Bowl 53. They are cool, especially the more creative ones. In the meantime, collectors have stepped up with really creative customs.
Super Bowl 54-59 Customs
If you see your helmet below, I apologize for not giving you credit. Let me know if you would like your site or name attached to a specific helmet(s).
Not gonna lie…I did not expect this one. But I am happy to see it! I have always liked the Vikings helmet.
I didn’t expect it because it’s what I call an alternate throwback. Let me explain:
In 1961-79, the Vikings wore a helmet with their classic horn and a grey facemask. That helmet was dark purple.
The Vikings wore the same helmet as a throwback in 2007 through 2011. At the time, the Vikings primary helmet was a kind of medium, fade purple. The throwback they wore was dark, making it a true throwback.
In 2023, the Vikings brought the throwback back. But this time, they kept their primary helmet’s lighter purple.
So, this latest drop is not a true throwback, but more of an alternate throwback. This is the 30th limited edition speed helmet, and the first alternate throwback. I made a new category and added it my list:
The Vikings are one of seven teams to have a complete factory set from Riddell (the others are Balt, Car, Cin, Dall, Sea, and Tampa). This is the fourth Vikings factory speed helmet. Only the Lions have more (5). The Browns and Commanders also have four.
Who’s next?
I gotta think the Jags and Texans are in the cue as factory helmets are appearing on eBay, likely as factory bootlegs (for lack of a better term). I’d personally like to see the Colts, Jets, and Saints throwbacks as well. I’m indifferent to the Cowboys, Steelers, Packers throwbacks and Chargers alternates as they are so easy to make as customs or already exist in previous iterations.
I was away for a few weeks on a week-long bike ride across Iowa (RAGBRAI). It’s basically spring break for adults 🙂
Cardinals Alternate
In my absence, Riddell released the 2022 Cardinals alternate. Some interesting things about the Cardinals helmets:
This is not the only alternate in the Cardinals history. In 2016, the Cardinals wore a “color rush” alternate. It’s the exact same helmet but with a slightly darker shade of red.
The 1961-2004 logo had no black border around the Cardinal. However, the traditional and chrome style helmets do have a black border. The throwback helmets do not.
With 11 spots to fill for the 2025 limited edition series, one may think Riddell will run out of helmets. Using the 2024 helmets only, I count 8 throwbacks (Cowboys, Vikings, Packers, Saints, Jets, Steelers, Colts, Jaguars) and 2 alternates (Texans red and Chargers). I think the Texans and Jaguars are very likely to be next.
Hall of fame speed
The Hall of Fame shop released a hall of fame helmet. If it looks familiar to collectors, it’s because Riddell has released other versions in the other three styles: 2-bar, traditional, and revolution. Now, one can obtain a complete set (assuming they have the others).
Several NFL teams have confirmed releases of throwbacks and alternates for the 2025 season. These could be likely candidates for the next limited edition series. Or even better, a helmets in regular production.
Packers 1924 throwback. How amazing would this look as a pocket helmet?
Browns 2025 alternate. This could mean the white alternate is going away. We’ll see.
Bills 1987-2001 throwback. This would be the first time the Bills wear a Red helmet since 2010. Riddell manufactured this style previously in chrome and traditional formats.
Steelers “1933” throwback. This is strange for several reasons. The Steelers and Riddell claim this helmet is a 1933 throwback, which is obviously isn’t. But, they could be referring to the uniform. OK – fair enough. It would have been cool to see them use the 1933 leather helmet like the Packers did.
One could speculate the helmet is a throwback to 1962. While it did have a grey facemask, the text on that logo read “Steel,” not “Steelers.”
This 2025 alternate is the same design as the 2007 alternate throwback. But that helmet had a black facemask.
So, in the end, we will get a helmet design the Steelers never wore.
Chargers 1988-2006 throwback. Riddell has already manufactured this helmet in the traditional, chrome, and revolution styles.
Saints 2025 alternate. This is the same basic design as the black alternate.
Commanders “Super Bowl throwback alternate.” An homage to the 1979-2019 era, minus the old logo.
Bengals 1969-80 throwback. I haven’t seen anything official, but it appears Riddell made a factory version this pocket helmet.
Here’s the 2024 Broncos alternate! It pretty much matches the primary helmet. Except for being white.
The Broncos have worn two other alternates since 2016.
2016-22 alternate/color rush
A throwback of sorts. The only difference is the contemporary midnight blue helmet. On the right is the 2020 helmet, which has a white background behind the horse in the lower left corner.
2023 alternate
This is a throwback of sorts of well, only it’s white. It was only worn in 2023.
Years ago, Riddell released a Broncos 4-piece team set. I thought this year would have been ideal for that. It could have included the 2016-22, 2023, 2024 and 2024 throwback helmets. And saved collectors a little $$$.
Two announcements
Obviously, the Commanders and the Saints. The Commanders will be a throwback of sorts, but without the Chief logo. Riddell still has 12 helmets to go in the 2025 limited edition series. Since there are only seven spots open from 2024, I wouldn’t be surprised if they release these two as factory helmets this year. A fan of sets, I really wish they would release the new alternates and throwbacks as sets.
The Colts dropped the black alternate. There are two gaps in the Colts factory helmet history (after 1955):
1956-57. The Colts wore this as a throwback in 2004 and 2021-23. More about this later.
1978-94: The helmet with the white facemask. The Colts haven’t worn this since 1994.
Here are the numbers for the limited edition series totals. Michael Dole has an excellent visual checklist on the Facebook pocket helmet site. It’s a great visual reference.
A few weeks, factory limited edition helmets began appearing on ebay. None have been officially released. They were for the Cardinals (alternate), Texans (alternate), and Jaguars (throwback). The seller has other limited edition helmets as well. They appear to ship from China. I won’t speculate on the authenticity of the seller or the helmets as others more knowledgeable about this have speculated on the Facebook site.
Let’s assume they’re legitimate and they can be checked off the list. To me, that signals that Riddell is sticking with helmets that were worn in 2024. That would leave room for only two more alternates: the Broncos and the Chargers. That would also leave 6 throwbacks: the Cowboys, Lions, Packers, Colts, Vikings and Jets. If I were a betting man, I would say the Broncos alternate and Cowboys, Vikings, Colts, and Jets get manufactured this year. The Packers and Lions are plain yellow and silver, so likely not. I hope not as they are so easy to customize. Not sure about the Chargers.
The Bengals 1968-79 helmet suddenly appeared. It’s not packaged as a Limited Edition series and I have not confirmed it’s authenticity, although the seller – picksixpreiews – is legitimate.
The Bengals haven’t announced a throwback in 2025, to my knowledge. So the existence of htis helmet implies they will soon. Opinion altert: I don’t like this helmet. It’s only letters, not a logo. It’s difficult to read from a distance. The Bengals striped helmet is one of my favorites because it’s unique to the team brand and a clean, simple design. Regardless, this helmet has is notalgic. It’s kind of neat to see it in the speed format.
Interestingly, this is not packaged as a limited edition helmet. Riddell did this with the Eagles throwback and Bengals alternate in 2023. I have no idea where sellers got the Eagles and Bengals helmets. I could only find them on ebay. And who knows why this throwback is not part of the limited edition brand. The Eagles and Bengals helmets from 2023 are still for sale on ebay, so I won’t be in a hurry to purchase this Bengals throwback…I’ve spent enough already on this year’s limited editions!
I learn something new everyday! In an earlier post about the Jaugars limited edition drop, fellow collector Steve noted the Jaguars made a tweak to their helmet color in 2009. I assumed the Jaugars wore the same design between 1995 and 2012. This change is confirmed in the Jaguars 2009 media guide. Steve discovered the black helmet added a SpectraFlair Silver pigment that caused the helmet to have a teal shine when flashed with light. I’ll call it SpectraFlair Black-Teal.
I found other sources that confirmed this. The picture on the right is from FB Helmet Guy.
To my knowledge, Riddell did not manufacture a Jaguars pocket helmet in this style. Or any collectable, maybe. It would have to be Revolution because the Revolution era was around 2005-2015, and the Jaguars transitioned to the fade helmet in 2013.
I did check my revolution Jaguars helmet, which was made in May 2012. I also poked around ebay. My helmet is definitely black. I didn’t see any on ebay that were black-teal. To my knowledge, then, Riddell did not manufacture a factory helmet with this black-teal paint.
The Jaguars wore this style in 2024 as a throwback. The question is: did the Jaguars wear the 1995-08 or the 2009-12 version? It certainly appears they wore the 1995-08 version.
Below is the updated Jaguars checklist. I also updated the Jaguars pocket helmet site. Thanks to Steve for his research on this!!!
Riddell NFL Pocket Pro Helmets 