Between 1966 and 1971, the Oilers had a silver helmet. Between 1966 and 1967, the helmet had red-white-blue-white-red stripes. In 1968, the white stripes were removed. The factory helmets are displayed below.
Back row: 1966-67. The 2-bar helmet is from the 1969 set. I added white stripes to the helmet on the right, which is from the throwback series 2 set. 1968-71: Factory helmet from the throwback series 2 set.
A few months ago, I noticed I never saw a helmet with the red-silver-blue-silver-red stripes configuration. Rather, the stripes were always continuous, as shown in the photos below. This was pointed out to me by fellow collector and helmet expert, Michael Eggenburg.
I had originally indicated the Oilers changed to the red-silver-blue-silver-red stripes configuration in 1971. I think I know why. Some of the stripe patterns from 1971 do exhibit a silver gap between the red and blue.
However, I think is more likely due to sloppy stripe placement than intentional design. The gap on the actual helmets is much narrower than the factory pocket helmet. So, this may not be an egregious error on Riddell’s part.
The definitive source on all these things is the Gridiron Uniform Database, which does not reference the red-silver-blue-silver-red stripes configuration. So, I am going to go with that verdict. I updated the team checklist to reflect this. In the future, I will make a custom to reflect this.
Thank you to Michael Eggenburg for bringing this to my attention!
Riddell dropped a new Cowboys factory pocket helmet in March 2024. This is the white alternate Dallas implemented in 2022. A tweet from Riddell collectables implied they are going to periodically release pocket helmet alternates.
This the fourth factory alternate Riddell has manufactured. Last year, Riddell made the white Bengals alternate. The Bengals alternate can usually be found on ebay. The Lions alternate was made this year. The Lions helmet appears to be rare. I can’t find it for sale anywhere online. About 15 years ago, Riddell manufactured the yellow Steelers alternate in the Revolution style.
If the tweet is correct, I would expect more in the alternate pocket helmets in the future. As I have written previously, an alternate set would be really nice.
Dallas is one of seven teams for which Riddell has a factory helmet for each era. All other teams have gaps that are filled in by custom designs. The other teams with complete factory sets are: Bengals, Buccaneers, Jaguars, Ravens, Seahawks and Vikings.
I suppose one could also add the Rams in the red 1948 leather helmet, to bring the number to eight. I also considered adding the Chiefs. However, I think the 2019 and 2021 “throwbacks” the Chiefs wore with the grey facemask have the modern logo. This makes them unique on their own. A custom is easy: replace a factory speed white facemask with a grey one.
As I write this, the Lions have won the NFC North. It is their first division win since 1993. Congratulations!
As many know, the Lions incorporated a new alternate helmet in 2023. It is honolulu blue with a grey facemask. The logo is a homage to the Ford Mustang logo. The logo has been around for years, but this is the first time the Lions wore it on a helmet.
This isn’t the first time the Lions have worn a Honolulu blue helmet. My research indicates the Lions wore a plain Honolulu helmet in 1949 and 1953. My research is largely based on the Gridiron Uniform Database.
The photo below is from 1953. The Lions won the NFL championship in 1953, so maybe this helmet is a positive omen.
The Lions first alternate helmet was worn in 1994. Since then, they have incorporated the following alternates in their routines:
2017-20, 2022: Plain silver helmet, grey or silver facemask (also worn in 1955-56)
Like nearly all alternates, Riddell did not manufacture factory pocket helmets of these Lions alternates. However, Riddell did manufacture the 2023 Lions alternate, in addition to the Bengals alternate and Eagles throwback. I saw photos of the helmet floating around online. Fellow collector Michael Dole confirmed the existence of this helmet. His photos are below:
Michael bought his helmet online. But neither of us really know where the helmet was originally obtained. The Bengals alternate and Eagles speed throwback are available on eBay, so I speculate those may only be sold in physical fan shops or the Hall of Fame store.
I have not seen the Lions helmet anywhere, however. The Lions helmet could have been manufactured for a special event or is maybe sold at a Lions pro shop. I can’t find it anywhere online.
This is only the third alternate helmet Riddell has manufactured. The others are the Steelers 2007-11 yellow and 2022-present Bengals white. I suppose one could include the Eagles throwback as an “alternate” as it was manufactured in the speed style.
Hopefully, Riddell will make this and other alternates more available in the future. An entire set would be really cool.
I came across a photo on the Santuario Steelers facebook site today. Apparently, the Steelers made a slight change to their logo in 2002. The differences are subtle and have to do with the shield logos. Here are the differences:
Different Steelers font.
Deeper colors in the diamonds.
A black ring around the grey circle (this is almost impossible to see with a black background).
To my previous knowledge, the Steelers only had two logos: the “Steel” logo from 1962 and the “Steelers” logo 1963-present.
I checked my Steelers pocket helmets. I did notice differences in the helmet logos. I assumed these differences were the results of minor variations in factory printing. It turns out there were also variations in the hypocycloid colors and grey ring. But they were likely intentional.
I went to the authority on all things football uniform related, the Gridiron Uniform Database. I did not see mention of a change between 2001 and 2002. This article by Bill Schaefer detailed the following history. I think the yellow helmets are using a more modern “Steelers” font. So, this could be an error on Riddell’s part.
1962: Yellow helmet, Steel logo, yellow-orange-blue hypocycloids, grey facemask. The factory pocket helmet from this era has yellow-red-blue hypocycloids. This helmet is in the throwback series 1 and throwback 2 bar sets.
1963-67: Black helmet, smaller Steelers logo, yellow-orange-blue hypocycloids, grey facemask. The factory pocket helmet from this era has yellow-red-blue hypocycloids.
1967-77: Black helmet, even smaller Steelers logo, yellow-Vermilion-blue hypocycloids, black facemask. The factory pocket helmet from this era has yellow-red-blue hypocycloids. Vermillion is a color between orange and red I randomly chose. Regardless, it demonstrates the gradual change from orange to red. This helmet, along with the previous 1963-67 helmet, would be in the throwback series 1, series 2, throwback 2-bar, and throwback 2-bar 1969 sets.
1978-90: Black helmet, more smaller Steelers logo, yellow-red-blue hypocycloids, black facemask. This helmet is in the traditional style.
1990-2001: Black helmet, Steelers logo, yellow-red-blue hypocycloids, black facemask. This helmet is in the traditional style. According to the Schaefer article, the font was bolded in 1990. A search through Getty Images convinced me the font was bolder in the 1990s.
2002-present: Black helmet, Steelers logo with changed font, yellow-red-blue hypocycloids, black circle around gray border, black facemask. This helmet would be in the traditional, revolution and speed styles.
As much as I love attention to detail, it’s daunting to research all of the minor variations in colors and fonts. I am going to slightly amend the Steelers checklist for my personal collection. Other collectors may want to be more detailed.
Both of these helmets are in the speed style, which is more modern and updated than the traditional and two-bar styles. They are going for about $15-20 each online. A normal factory pocket helmet is about $5-10 each.
This is very unusual for Riddell. Riddell has never manufactured throwback helmets in the modern style or released factory alternate helmets, with one exception: the 2007-11 Steelers alternate throwback helmet. That was manufactured in the Revolution style. Collectors make custom helmets on their own to fill the gaps.
In a previous post, I wrote about how Riddell could manufacture four types of sets to make up for the lack of factory helmets:
Alternate speed set. These would reflect the most recent alternate and color rush helmets. 15 teams have or will wear alternate helmets in 2022 and 2023. Another 10 or color rush / alternate helmets from the last 10-15 years would make a nice speed-style helmet set.
Alternate throwback set. This set would present historic helmets that were worn more recently in the more modern speed style. For example, the Falcons wore the red 1966 helmet in 2022 as a speed helmet. About 20 helmets would qualify.
Throwback “fill in the gap” set. These would fill in the gaps from the throwback sets that were manufactured in the 90’s and early 2000’s. These helmets would be in the traditional and two-bar styles. The factory helmets from the 90’s and 00’s are increasingly rare, however.
Pro bowl set. This would be a 16 helmet set.
2023 updates as of 8/20 for updated helmets and alternates are below. To my knowledge, only the Cardinals made a change to their normal helmet. Check my pocket helmet Teams Checklist for more details and updates about throwback helmets. I will try to make updates as I hear official announcements.
Cleveland Browns alternate: White helmet, brown-orange-brown stripes, black facemask – factory helmet not confirmed, custom only as of 8/20/23
Detroit Lions alternate: Honolulu blue helmet, alternate logo, grey facemask – factory helmet not confirmed, custom only as of 8/20/23
Denver Broncos alternate: white helmet, 93-96 logo, dark blue-orange-dark blue stripes, white facemask – factory helmet not confirmed, custom only as of 8/20/23
Indianapolis Colts alternate: Black helmet, blue horseshoe with white outline, white-blue-white stripes, black facemask, custom only as of 8/20/23
See the 2022 updates for more alternates. Some of those could be on the field this year.
Riddell does an excellent job with the factory pocket helmets. They are incredibly realistic and well-made.
Still, there are gaps in the history. Most collectors make ‘custom’ helmets to fill these gaps. But what would factory sets look like that fill in the gap?
Alternate Helmet 2022 set
These helmets would be in the speed style and include new 2022 alternates. I would include 7 other recent alternates in the speed style to make the set a 24-piece set. None of these helmets have been previously manufactured by Riddell.
Arizona Cardinals 2016 alternate color rush: Plain white helmet, modern color rush cardinal logo, grey facemask
Arizona Cardinals 2022 alternate: Black helmet, black facemask, Cardinal logo
Atlanta Falcons 2016-present alternate: Matte black helmet, black facemask, floating feather lines, straight line between head and arm
Carolina Panthers 2022 alternate: Black helmet, black facemask, tapered Carolina blue stripes, Carolina blue panther
Chicago Bears 1936-37 alternate/throwback (worn in 2000s): Navy blue leather helmet with orange stripes
Chicago Bears 2022 alternate: Orange helmet, navy facemask, navy “C” with white outline
Cincinnati Bengals 2022 alternate: White helmet, black facemask, black stripes
Dallas Cowboys 2022 alternate: White helmet, white facemask, blue star with blue and white outline. Also available as a factory throwback helmet in the traditional style.
Denver Broncos 2016-present alternate: Midnight blue, 1997-present Broncos helmet, 92-96 logo with white inside, white-orange-white-stripes, midnight blue facemask.
Detroit Lions 2003-10 alternates: Plain silver helmet, black facemask.
Green Bay Packers 2013-present throwback/alternate: Plain yellow helmet, green facemask
Green Bay Packers 1994. 2013-19 throwback/alternate: Plain yellow helmet, grey facemask.
Green Bay Packers 2010-11 throwback/alternate: Plain brown helmet, grey facemask.
Houston Texans 2022 alternate: Battle red helmet, black facemask, Texans logo
LA Chargers 2016-19 alternate/color rush: White helmet, yellow bolt with dark blue outline, yellow facemask (same as one of the 2020 alternates, but no player # on helmet)
LA Chargers 2020 alternate: White helmet, yellow bolt with dark blue outline, player # on helmet, yellow facemask
LA Chargers 2020 alternate: White helmet, blue bolt with yellow outline, player # on helmet, dark blue facemask
New Orleans Saints 2022 alternate: Black helmet, black facemask, tapered gold/black stripe, modern fleur de lis logo
NY Jets 2015-18 color rush alternate: White helmet, metallic green Jets logo, metallic green-white-metallic green stripes, green facemask
NY Jets 2022 alternate: Black helmet, black facemask, modern Jets logo
Philadelphia Eagles 2007 alternate/throwback: Blue & yellow helmet, grey facemask
Philadelphia Eagles 2022 alternate: Black helmet, black facemask, modern Eagles wings
Washington Commanders 2022 alternate: Black helmet, black facemask, yellow W logo on front of helmet, yellow player numbers with burgundy outline
NFL 100th anniversary helmet
Throwback Helmet 2022 set: Updating to Speed
These helmets would in the speed style. Some were manufactured in previous throwback and other sets (*). I created this set to update the throwbacks in the more modern speed style as they were actually recently worn.
*Buffalo Bills 2005-present throwback (1965-73): White helmet, plain red bison, red-blue-red stripes, grey facemask.
*Chicago Bears 2019 throwback (1970-73): Navy blue helmet, white wishbone “C” logo, grey facemask. Also available as a factory throwback helmet in the traditional style.
Chicago Bears 2010-18 throwback (1955-58): Navy blue helmet, grey facemask.
Cleveland Browns 2006-08, 2021-present throwback (1957-59): Orange helmet, white stripe, grey facemask, player # on helmet
*Dallas Cowboys 2022 throwback (1976): Silver helmet, blue star with blue and white outline, red/white/blue stripes, grey facemask.
*Dallas Cowboys 2021 throwback (1960-63): White helmet, blue star, two blue stripes, grey facemask.
Detroit Lions 2017-20 throwback (1955-56): Plain silver helmet, grey facemask.
*Indianapolis Colts 2010 throwback (1955): Dark blue helmet, white stripe, grey facemask, white horseshoes on back of helmet.
Indianapolis Colts 2021 throwback: White helmet, blue stripe, grey facemask, blue horseshoes on back
*Kansas City Chiefs / Dallas Texans 2009 throwback (1960-62): Red helmet, Texas logo, grey facemask. Also available as a factory throwback helmet in the traditional style.
*Miami Dolphins 2015-present throwback (1966, 69-73): White helmet, dolphin #1 inside ring, aqua-white-orange-white-aqua stripes, grey facemask. Also available as a factory throwback helmet in the traditional style.
*New England Patriots 2009 throwback (1961-63): White helmet, Pat Patriot logo, red-white-red stripes, grey facemask.
New England Patriots 2002, 2010-12, 2022 throwback (1982-90): White helmet, Pat Patriot logo, red-white-red stripes, grey facemask.
*NY Giants 2016-present throwback (1981-99): Blue helmet, Giants logo, red stripe, white facemask
*San Francisco 49ers 2005-present throwback (1989-95): Gold helmet, SF logo with black text border in red circle with black border, red-white-red stripies, grey facemask. Also available as a factory throwback helmet in the traditional style.
*Tennessee Titans/Houston Oilers 2009 throwback: Columbia blue helmet, plain white derrick, white stripe, grey facemask
*Washington Commanders 2007 throwback (1970-71): Gold helmet, Circle-R logo, burgundy stripe, grey facemask. Also available as a factory throwback helmet in the traditional style.
Throwback Helmet Sets: Filling in the Gaps
I would include other throwbacks and unique alternates before 2000 in two sets, one traditional style helmet and the other two-bar style helmets.
Traditional Style
Arizona Cardinals 1994 throwback (1955-60): Plain white helmet, grey facemask.
Atlanta Falcons 1985 alternate: Red helmet, black facemask, white-black-white stripes, connected feather lines, V-neck, no white line between the head and the body
Buffalo Bills 1994 alternate: Red helmet, plain white buffalo, white-red-blue-red-white stripes, white facemask. Worn for one game as an alternate
Chicago Bears 1994 throwback (1959): Navy blue helmet, navy blue facemask.
Denver Broncos 1976-78: Dark blue helmet, 1968-92 ‘D’ logo, white-orange-white stripes, white facemask
Denver Broncos 1979-82: Medium blue helmet, 1968-92 “D” logo, white/orange/white stripes, white facemask
Detroit Lions 1994 throwback/alternate: Plain silver helmet, blue facemask.
Green Bay Packers 1994 throwback/alternate: Plain yellow helmet, grey facemask.
LA Chargers 1974-87: Blue helmet, yellow bolt with white and blue outline, yellow facemask
Miami Dolphins 1994 throwback (1966, 69-73). White helmet, dolphin #1 inside ring, aqua-white-orange-white-aqua stripes, aqua facemask. This is helmet is the same style as the 1966/1969-73 helmet. It just has a different facemask color.
Miami Dolphins 1990-96: White helmet, aqua/white/orange stripes, dolphin #3, aqua facemask
NY Jets 1993 alternate: Hunter green helmet, white Jets logo, no stripes, black facemask
NY Jets 1994 alternate: Hunter green helmet, white Jets logo (same as 1993), two white stripes, black facemask
Philadelphia Eagles 1994 alternate/throwback: Green helmet, large silver stripe, grey facemask
Pittsburgh Steelers 1994 alternate/throwback: Plain black helmet, black facemask.
Miscellaneous helmet
Two bar style
Cleveland Browns 1957-59 (also worn as alternate over the years): Orange helmet, white stripe, grey facemask, player # on helmet
Denver Broncos 1966: Orange-red helmet, white bronco with blue outline, white/blue/white stripes, grey facemask
Denver Broncos 1967: Plain dark blue helmet, orange/white/orange stripes, grey facemask
Houston Oilers 1964-65: Columbia blue helmet, white/red stripes, plain white derrick, grey facemask
Houston Oilers 1972-74: Columbia blue helmet, white/red stripes, red derrick with red outline, grey facemask
LA Chargers 1960: White helmet, blue bolt with yellow outline, blue player number with yellow outline
LA Rams 1949: Red helmet, leather facemask, yellow tapered horns
New Orleans Saints 1969 pre-season: Black helmet, same fleur de lis logo, grey facemask
NY Giants 1975: Blue helmet, NY disco logo, white-red-white stripes, grey facemask
NY Jets 1974: White helmet, two green stripes, white Jets logo
Philadelphia Eagles 1969: Hunter green helmet, white or white/silver wing, grey facemask
Pittsburgh Steelers 1957-61: Yellow helmet, black stripe, grey facemask, player # on helmet
Pittsburgh Steelers 1962: Black helmet, “Steel” logo, grey facemask
Miscellaneous two-bar helmet
Miscellaneous two-bar helmet
Pro Bowl Set
Did you know that prior to 1978, teams wore unique pro bowl helmets? Riddell made three factory pro bowl helmets in the 1990s and included them in throwback sets.
1950-66 East/National: Plain red helmet, grey facemask
1950-66 West/American: Plain blue helmet, grey facemask
1957 East/National: Plain red helmet, grey facemask, player # on helmet
1957 West/American: Plain blue helmet, grey facemask, player # on helmet
Riddell previously made a factory version of this helmet.
1969 East/National: Gold helmet, NFL shield logo with “50”, red-white-red stripes, grey facemask
Riddell previously made a factory version of this helmet.
1969 West/American: Gold helmet, NFL shield logo with “50”, blue-white-blue stripes, grey facemask
Riddell did not make a factory version of this helmet.
1970-72, 74, 76, 77 East/National: White helmet, blue “N” logo with red outline, blue-red-blue stripes, grey facemask
1970-72, 74, 77 West/American: Red helmet, white “A” logo with blue outline, white-blue-white stripes, grey facemask
1976: West/American: Red helmet, white “A” logo with blue outline, blue-white-blue stripes, grey facemask – same as previous, except stripe colors reversed
1973 East/National: Plain white helmet, blue “N” logo with red outline, grey facemask
1973 West/American: white “A” logo with blue outline, grey facemask
1975 East/National: White helmet, blue “N” logo with red outline, blue stripe, grey facemask
1975 West/American: Red helmet, white “A” logo with blue outline, red stripe, grey facemask
The following have been confirmed as new helmets for 2022. The Commanders helmets are a permanent change. All others are alternates for at least one game. Only one factory pocket helmet has been confirmed (Commanders).
Riddell almost never manufactures alternate helmets or throwbacks in a contemporary style (speed, revolution, etc.). In fact, I think it’s only happened once with the factory 2007-11 Steelers helmet in the revolution style.
So it’s unlikely Riddell will make factory helmets of the alternates. A set of all the alternates and color rush helmets would be really nice!
Most recent update: 7/28/2022 — 10 alternates, 4 throwbacks
Arizona Cardinals alternate: Black helmet, black facemask, Cardinal logo
Carolina Panthers alternate: Black helmet, black facemask, tapered Carolina blue stripes, Carolina blue panther
Chicago Bears alternate: Orange helmet, navy facemask, navy “C” with white outline
Cincinnati’s Bengals alternate: White helmet, black facemask, black stripes
Dallas Cowboys alternate: White helmet, white facemask, blue star with blue and white outline
Houston Texans alternate: Battle red helmet, black facemask, Texans logo
New Orleans Saints alternate: Black helmet, black facemask, tapered gold/black stripe, modern fleur de lis logo
New York Jets alternate: Black helmet, black facemask, modern Jets logo
Philadelphia Eagles alternate: Black helmet, black facemask, modern Eagles wings
Washington Commanders: Burgundy helmet, burgundy facemask, yellow stripe, yellow W logo – confirmed factory pocket helmet
Washington Commanders alternate: Black helmet, black facemask, yellow W logo on front of helmet, yellow player numbers with burgundy outline
The Patriots, Giants, Cowboys and Falcons are also confirmed to be wearing alternates in 2022. However, these are throwback versions of helmets worn in previous years.
This site is about professional pocket pro helmets. It includes helmets from the NFL, CFL, USFL, XFL, and WFL. It does not address collegiate pocket pro helmets.
Pocket Pro helmets are manufactured as collectables by Riddell. They were inspired by the original mini-helmets one could purchase from gumball machines in the 1960s.
To my knowledge, Riddell first manufactured pocket pro helmets in 1997. These were different from the mini-helmets of the 1970s and 80s, which were made of thinner plastic. The pocket pro helmets were much more realistic. Another difference is that the helmet decals for pocket pros are painted on, as opposed to stickers.
Riddell has manufactured contemporary helmets pretty much every year since 1997. If a team’s helmet needed updating, Riddell manufactured it. Contemporary helmets have been manufactured in three styles: traditional-style, revolution-style, and speed-style.
Riddell also manufactured throwback helmets. These were manufactured in the traditional-style (in the Throwback Series 1, Throwback Series 2, and AFL 50th Anniversary sets) and two-bar-style (NFL 1969, AFL 1969, and Throwback 2-bar sets).
Individual collectors have made custom helmets by painting over or applying decals or stickers to pocket pros.
Contemporary Helmets
Riddell manufactured three types of contemporary helmets. These helmets reflected a team’s current helmet logo.
Traditional (these are also sometimes called Throwback). Manufactured from around 1997 through about 2005. These helmets had a “R” underneath one ear-hole and generally a date stamp inside.
Revolution. Manufactured between about 2005 and 2016.
Speed. Manufactured starting around 2016. These helmets have a date stamp inside.
What does the “R” mean? I am not sure why some pocket pro helmets have an “R” under the earhole and others do not. I think it has to do with the timing of the manufacture. Earlier helmets have an “R,” but later ones do not.
There is some overlap between the 1969 Two-bar helmets and the two-bar helmets from the 36-piece set. What makes them distinct is the Riddell label on the back. The 1969 helmets have “RIDDELL” printed in all caps.. The two-bar helmets from the 36-piece set have “RIDDell (ell in cursive)” printed on the back.
36-pc set style
36-pc set style
1969 Style
1969 Style
Custom Pocket Pro Helmets
Custom pocket pro helmets are made by individuals, not by Riddell. As the Teams Checklist shows, Riddell has not manufactured helmets for all the teams’ eras. Gaps can be filled by custom-made helmets. These helmets are usually made by modifying old pocket pro helmets.
Many of these helmets have excellent craftsmanship. I ordered the Oilers, Saints, and Chargers helmets below on eBay. They are really nice.
Other helmets are modified by just changing the facemask color. I ordered a Colts throwback helmet like the one pictured below. Someone just removed the blue facemask and replaced it with a white one. I know it’s the same helmet because of the time stamp on the inside.
Many of us Gen-Xers will recall gumball-machine football helmets. For a quarter you could buy a small, plastic shell with a helmet. You didn’t know what team you would get. And you had to assemble the helmet on your own. The team logo was a sticker. A few times I placed the sticker upside-down, which was such a bummer. Due to the adhesiveness of the glue, the mistake was irreverable. The Browns sticker was plain orange, slightly off-hue and unnecessary. The goal post display set was the highlight of my collection (see photo above).
I distinctly recall ordering my own mini helmets. Here was the process:
Fill out an order form, usually from a comic book or magazine.
Find an envelope and stamp.
Put the form and actual cash in the envelope. Many of these forms had spaces where you could scotch tape the change!
Mail the form and wait 6-8 waits for your package.
I was little when I did this whole process on my own, and at no point was an adult involved. Millions of kids did this all time in the 70’s and 80’s.
As an adult, I purchased a set of more realistic mini-helmets called Pocket Pros. I don’t really collect anything, but my son and myself are starting with these. Riddell has periodically manufactured Pocket Pros over the last 20 years.
This site showcases my Pocket Pro helmet collection. For the completists, it also includes helmets not in my collection.
Riddell NFL Pocket Pro Helmets 
