Category: Uncategorized

Two more drops: Bears and Browns

The last month was super busy – I’m behind by two drops!

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Bears

The Bears helmet is a throwback to the 1936-37 helmet. The Bears have worn this since 2019.

The Bears have an interesting throwback history:

  • In 1994, the Bears wore a plain navy helmet with a navy facemask as a throwback to, I assume, the 1950’s. There is no factory pocket helmet in this style, although it’s easy to make a custom. I don’t even really know if I would call this a “throwback” as this was the first and only time the Bears wore a plain navy helmet with a navy facemask.
  • In 2010 and again in 2012-18, the Bears wore a plain navy helmet throwback with a grey facemask. This helmet was originally worn in 1955-58. There is no factory pocket helmet for this as well.
  • In 2019, the Bears wore the 1970-73 helmet as a throwback. It has a white C and grey facemask. Riddell made a two-bar and traditional style helmet of this style.
Chicago - HELMET HISTORY
Bears Address Segregated Past Before Wearing 1936 Uniforms This Sunday - WBEZ Chicago

Browns

Not much to say about the Browns helmet. The Browns claim it is an homage to the 1946-51 uniform. Although that leather helmet was plain white, it did not have the stripes. So Cleveland calls it an alternate throwback. They have worn it since 2023. It’s not the most spectacular helmet, in my opinion. But, it is true to the Browns brand and is a nice nod to history. It works well.

The Browns have worn throwbacks before. Most notably, the 1957-59 helmet with the numbers and the plain white stripe. That was worn in 2006-08 and again in 2021. They updated the style with black-white-black stripes in 1960. Riddell made a factory helmet for 1960, but not 1957-59.

Who’s next?

There are 14 left in the 2025 series. Michael Dole has a really nice graphic on the Pocket Helmet facebook site. It appears Riddell is focusing on 2024 and maybe what is upcoming in 2025. The only alternates left from 2024 are the Carindals, Broncos, Texans, Colts, and Chargers. I would think those five are in the que.

Latest counts

  • Total: 26
  • 2024: 15/15
  • 2025: 11/25
  • Throwbacks: 12
  • Alternates: 14

See the Limited Edition site for more details

Jaguars drop!

This is a good one. I personally like the Jaguars helmet because it falls squarely in the ‘less is more’ category. The issue, though, is that the logo kind of bleeds into the black background. So it can look like a gold blob with black dots and a few white stripes. The white helmet highlights the logo in a more effective way.

Jacksonville now has a factory helmet for all of the team’s helmet styles. Unless one counts the 1995-2012 design, which is available in the 2-bar, traditional, chrome and revolution styles. Worn as a throwback in 2024, it’s not available in the speed style.

Who’s left?

There are now 16 left for the 2025 limited editions. I bet we will at least see the Cardinals, Browns, Broncos, Texans, and Colts 2024 alternates this summer. I doubt we will see 2023 or earlier ones as Riddell manufactured the 2025 limited editions in September 2024 (except for the Eagles).

Limited Edition Checklist Update

Throwback / Alternate

  • Throwbacks: 11
  • Alternates: 13

NFC: 16

  • East: 6 ā€“ Commanders (1/1), Cowboys (2/3), Eagles (1/1), Giants (2/2)
  • North: 4 ā€“ Bears (1/2), Packers (1/2), Lions (1/1), Vikings (1/2)
  • South: 4 ā€“ Buccaneers (1/1), Falcons (1/1), Panthers (1/1), Saints (1/2)
  • West: 2 ā€“ 49ers (1/1), Cardinals (0/1), Rams (0/0), Seahawks (1/1)

AFC: 8

  • East: 3 ā€“ Bills (0/0), Dolphins (1/1), Jets (1/2), Patriots (1/1)
  • North: 1 ā€“ Bengals (0/0), Browns (0/1), Ravens (1/1), Steelers (0/1)
  • South: 3 ā€“ Colts (0/2), Jaguars (1/2), Texans (1/2), Titans (1/1)
  • West: 1 ā€“ Broncos (1/2), Chargers (0/1), Chiefs (0/0), Raiders (0/0)

Release & Manufacture Dates

2024 Limited Edition Speed Series (1 of 2000): release date ā€“ team and details ā€“ manufacture date

  1. 2024/03/07: Dallas Cowboys 2022-present alternate ā€“ 2023/11
  2. 2024/03/28: Seattle Seahawks 1983-2011 throwback ā€“ 2023/11
  3. 2024/04/18: Chicago Bears 2022-present alternate ā€“ 2023/11
  4. 2024/05/09: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 1976-96 throwback ā€“ 2023/11
  5. 2024/05/30: Carolina Panthers 2022-present alternate ā€“ 2023/11
  6. 2024/06/20: Atlanta Falcons 1966-69 throwback ā€“ 2023/11
  7. 2024/08/01: Green Bay Packers 2024-present alternate ā€“ 2024/05
  8. 2024/08/15: Detroit Lions 2024-present alternate ā€“ 2024/05
  9. 2024/09/05: Baltimore Ravens 2024-present alternate ā€“ 2024/05
  10. 2024/09/12: New York Giants 2024 throwback throwback ā€“ 2024/05
  11. 2024/09/26: Denver Broncos 1993-96 throwback ā€“ 2024/05
  12. 2024/10/17: New England Patriots 1982-90 throwback ā€“ 2024/05
  13. 2024/11/07: New Orleans Saints 2022-present alternate ā€“ 2024/05
  14. 2024/11/18: Miami Dolphins 1966-69 throwback ā€“ 2024/05
  15. 2024/12/19: Houston Oilers 1981-96 throwback ā€“ 2024/05

2025 Limited Edition Speed Series (1 of 525): release date ā€“ team and details ā€“ manufacture date

  1. 2025/01/23: Philadelphia Eagles 2022-present alternate ā€“ 2024/05
  2. 2025/02/06: Minnesota Vikings 2024-present alternate ā€“ 2024/09
  3. 2025/02/20: New York Giants throwback (GIANTS logo) ā€“ 2024/09
  4. 2025/03/06: San Francisco 49ers throwback ā€“ 2024/09
  5. 2025/03/20: Houston Texans 2024-present alternate (H logo) ā€“ 2024/09
  6. 2025/04/10: Washington CommandersĀ 2022-present alternate ā€” 2024/09
  7. 2025/04/17: Dallas Cowboys white throwback ā€“ 2024/09
  8. 2025/05/01: New York Jets 2024-present alternate ā€“ 2024/09
  9. 2025/05/14: Jacksonville Jaguars 2024-present alternate

Jets drop!

Riddell will drop the 2024 Jets alternate. I am excited for this one as the Jets have so many alternates and throwbacks to choose from:

The facemask on the pocket helmet appears to be a darker green than the brighter green the Jets actually wore. Otherwise, it looks pretty sharp.

My next post will cover the new Rivalries Uniform releases in 2025. Thanks to fellow collector Micheal Dole for letting me know!

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Limited Edition Checklist Update

Throwback / Alternate

  • Throwbacks: 11
  • Alternates: 12

NFC: 16

  • East: 6 ā€“ Commanders (1/1), Cowboys (2/3), Eagles (1/1), Giants (2/2)
  • North: 4 ā€“ Bears (1/2), Packers (1/2), Lions (1/1), Vikings (1/2)
  • South: 4 ā€“ Buccaneers (1/1), Falcons (1/1), Panthers (1/1), Saints (1/2)
  • West: 2 ā€“ 49ers (1/1), Cardinals (0/1), Rams (0/0), Seahawks (1/1)

AFC: 7

  • East: 3 ā€“ Bills (0/0), Dolphins (1/1), Jets (1/2), Patriots (1/1)
  • North: 1 ā€“ Bengals (0/0), Browns (0/1), Ravens (1/1), Steelers (0/1)
  • South: 2 ā€“ Colts (0/2), Jaguars (0/2), Texans (1/2), Titans (1/1)
  • West: 1 ā€“ Broncos (1/2), Chargers (0/1), Chiefs (0/0), Raiders (0/0)

Release & Manufacture Dates

2024 Limited Edition Speed Series (1 of 2000): release date – team and details – manufacture date

  1. 2024/03/07: Dallas Cowboys 2022-present alternate ā€“ 2023/11
  2. 2024/03/28: Seattle Seahawks 1983-2011 throwback ā€“ 2023/11
  3. 2024/04/18: Chicago Bears 2022-present alternate ā€“ 2023/11
  4. 2024/05/09: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 1976-96 throwback ā€“ 2023/11
  5. 2024/05/30: Carolina Panthers 2022-present alternate ā€“ 2023/11
  6. 2024/06/20: Atlanta Falcons 1966-69 throwback ā€“ 2023/11
  7. 2024/08/01: Green Bay Packers 2024-present alternate ā€“ 2024/05
  8. 2024/08/15: Detroit Lions 2024-present alternate ā€“ 2024/05
  9. 2024/09/05: Baltimore Ravens 2024-present alternate ā€“ 2024/05
  10. 2024/09/12: New York Giants 2024 throwback throwback ā€“ 2024/05
  11. 2024/09/26: Denver Broncos 1993-96 throwback ā€“ 2024/05
  12. 2024/10/17: New England Patriots 1982-90 throwback ā€“ 2024/05
  13. 2024/11/07: New Orleans Saints 2022-present alternate ā€“ 2024/05
  14. 2024/11/18: Miami Dolphins 1966-69 throwback ā€“ 2024/05
  15. 2024/12/19: Houston Oilers 1981-96 throwback ā€“ 2024/05

2025 Limited Edition Speed Series (1 of 525): release date – team and details – manufacture date

  1. 2025/01/23: Philadelphia Eagles 2022-present alternate ā€“ 2024/05
  2. 2025/02/06: Minnesota Vikings 2024-present alternate ā€“ 2024/09
  3. 2025/02/20: New York Giants throwback (GIANTS logo) ā€“ 2024/09
  4. 2025/03/06: San Francisco 49ers throwback ā€“ 2024/09
  5. 2025/03/20: Houston Texans 2024-present alternate (H logo) ā€“ 2024/09
  6. 2025/04/10: Washington Commanders 2022-present alternate ā€” likely 2024/09
  7. 2025/04/17: Dallas Cowboys white throwback ā€“ likely 2024/09
  8. 2025/05/01: New York Jets 2024-present alternate – likely 2024/09

Another Cowboys Drop!

A 2nd Cowboys drop and the 6th team from the NFC east. Dallas originally wore the helmet in 1960-63. And again as a throwback in 2004-12. Dallas picked the helmet back up again in 2022.

This is a throwback of sorts to the 1960-63 helmet. I say ‘of sorts’ because there are slight differences in the 1960-63 helmet and the modern throwback helmet.

The 1960-63 helmet is a lighter blue. At least the ones Riddell made are. The modern throwback is a darker blue. The photo below shows the differences.

So, this recent release will be the fourth version Riddell has released of this style, including both shades of blue:

  1. Two-bar – lighter blue
  2. Traditional – lighter blue
  3. Traditional – darker blue
  4. Speed – the speed helmet appears to be a darker blue

The two-bar and lighter blue traditional were in the two-bar and throwback series 1 sets. I beliee the darker blue helmet was in the 4-piece Cowboys and possibly six-team NFC set.

Limited Edition Counts

Throwback / Alternate

  • Throwbacks: 11
  • Alternates: 11

NFC: 16

  • East: 6 ā€“ Commanders (1/1), Cowboys (2/3), Eagles (1/1), Giants (2/2)
  • North: 4 ā€“ Bears (1/2), Packers (1/2), Lions (1/1), Vikings (1/2)
  • South: 4 ā€“ Buccaneers (1/1), Falcons (1/1), Panthers (1/1), Saints (1/2)
  • West: 2 ā€“ 49ers (1/1), Cardinals (0/1), Rams (0/0), Seahawks (1/1)

AFC: 6

  • East: 2 ā€“ Bills (0/0), Dolphins (1/1), Jets (0/2), Patriots (1/1)
  • North: 1 ā€“ Bengals (0/0), Browns (0/1), Ravens (1/1), Steelers (0/1)
  • South: 2 ā€“ Colts (0/2), Jaguars (0/2), Texans (1/2), Titans (1/1)
  • West: 1 ā€“ Broncos (1/2), Chargers (0/1), Chiefs (0/0), Raiders (0/0)

Release & Manufacture Dates

  1. 2024/03/07: Dallas Cowboys alternate ā€“ 2023/11
  2. 2024/03/28: Seattle Seahawks throwback ā€“ 2023/11
  3. 2024/04/18: Chicago Bears alternate ā€“ 2023/11
  4. 2024/05/09: Tampa Bay Buccaneers throwback ā€“ 2023/11
  5. 2024/05/30: Carolina Panthers alternate ā€“ 2023/11
  6. 2024/06/20: Atlanta Falcons throwback ā€“ 2023/11
  7. 2024/08/01: Green Bay Packers alternate ā€“ 2024/05
  8. 2024/08/15: Detroit Lions alternate ā€“ 2024/05
  9. 2024/09/05: Baltimore Ravens alternate ā€“ 2024/05
  10. 2024/09/12: New York Giants throwback ā€“ 2024/05
  11. 2024/09/26: Denver Broncos throwback ā€“ 2024/05
  12. 2024/10/17: New England Patriots throwback ā€“ 2024/05
  13. 2024/11/07: New Orleans Saints alternate ā€“ 2024/05
  14. 2024/11/18: Miami Dolphins throwback ā€“ 2024/05
  15. 2024/12/19: Houston Oilers throwback ā€“ 2024/05
  16. 2025/01/23: Philadelphia Eagles alternate ā€“ 2024/05
  17. 2025/02/06: Minnesota Vikings alternate ā€“ 2024/09
  18. 2025/02/20: New York Giants throwback (GIANTS logo) ā€“ 2024/09
  19. 2025/03/06: San Francisco 49ers throwback ā€“ 2024/09
  20. 2025/03/20: Houston Texans alternate (H logo) ā€“ 2024/09
  21. 2025/04/10: Washington Commanders alternate ā€” likely 2024/09
  22. 2024/04/17: Dallas Cowboys throwback – likely 2024/09

Commanders Drop

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Riddell Collectables X

I am excited for this drop for a few reasons. First, there are a lot of Washington alternate/quasi-throwback helmets out there from 1994, 2012, 2013, 2019 and 2020. This helmet fills in a gap. Second, I am glad they went with a black alternate with tricky logos to customize. I hope they don’t make a Browns alternate because it’s so easy for collectors to make on their own. I would prioritize a lot of other helmets first.

By my count, there’s eight alternates left from 2024 alone. And 10 throwbacks from 2024. This is a total of 18. And then there’s new alternates and throwbacks in 2025.

I do have one minor quibble. I have never been a fan of the “00.” In 2020, Riddell placed “20” on the 2020 Commanders helmet. They could have gone with “22” here. Or even a “24.” This has happened before. Riddell didn’t place numbers at all on the 1960 Patriots, 1966 Chargers, 1961-73 Chargers (traditional style), or the 2020 Chargers. Others place the year, including the 1960 Broncos and the 1960 Browns.

For those counting, that’s 10 throwbacks and 11 alternates. The NFC east has the most with five, followed by the NFC north and NFC south (4 each). The NFC has 15 and the AFC 6. I would think the next AFC team would be the Jets or Colts. We will see…

Limited Edition Counts

Throwback / Alternate

  • Throwbacks: 10
  • Alternates: 11

NFC: 15

  • East: 5 ā€“ Commanders (1/1), Cowboys (1/3), Eagles (1/1), Giants (2/2)
  • North: 4 ā€“ Bears (1/2), Packers (1/2), Lions (1/1), Vikings (1/2)
  • South: 4 ā€“ Buccaneers (1/1), Falcons (1/1), Panthers (1/1), Saints (1/2)
  • West: 2 ā€“ 49ers (1/1), Cardinals (0/1), Rams (0/0), Seahawks (1/1)

AFC: 6

  • East: 2 ā€“ Bills (0/0), Dolphins (1/1), Jets (0/2), Patriots (1/1)
  • North: 1 ā€“ Bengals (0/0), Browns (0/1), Ravens (1/1), Steelers (0/1)
  • South: 2 ā€“ Colts (0/2), Jaguars (0/2), Texans (1/2), Titans (1/1)
  • West: 1 ā€“ Broncos (1/2), Chargers (0/1), Chiefs (0/0), Raiders (0/0)

Release & Manufacture Dates

  1. 2024/03/07: Dallas Cowboys alternate ā€“ 2023/11
  2. 2024/03/28: Seattle Seahawks throwback ā€“ 2023/11
  3. 2024/04/18: Chicago Bears alternate ā€“ 2023/11
  4. 2024/05/09: Tampa Bay Buccaneers throwback ā€“ 2023/11
  5. 2024/05/30: Carolina Panthers alternate ā€“ 2023/11
  6. 2024/06/20: Atlanta Falcons throwback ā€“ 2023/11
  7. 2024/08/01: Green Bay Packers alternate ā€“ 2024/05
  8. 2024/08/15: Detroit Lions alternate ā€“ 2024/05
  9. 2024/09/05: Baltimore Ravens alternate ā€“ 2024/05
  10. 2024/09/12: New York Giants throwback ā€“ 2024/05
  11. 2024/09/26: Denver Broncos throwback ā€“ 2024/05
  12. 2024/10/17: New England Patriots throwback ā€“ 2024/05
  13. 2024/11/07: New Orleans Saints alternate ā€“ 2024/05
  14. 2024/11/18: Miami Dolphins throwback ā€“ 2024/05
  15. 2024/12/19: Houston Oilers throwback ā€“ 2024/05
  16. 2025/01/23: Philadelphia Eagles alternate ā€“ 2024/05
  17. 2025/02/06: Minnesota Vikings alternate ā€“ 2024/09
  18. 2025/02/20: New York Giants throwback (GIANTS logo) ā€“ 2024/09
  19. 2025/03/06: San Francisco 49ers throwback ā€“ 2024/09
  20. 2025/03/20: Houston Texans alternate (H logo) ā€“ 2024/09
  21. 2025/04/10: Washington Commanders alternate — likely 2024/09

Who will be next?

The limited edition speed helmets have focused on contemporary designs. So, I am guessing a design for the rest of 2025 must have been worn in 2024 or in the upcoming 2025 season. I would not anticipate a design from 2023 or earlier (like the 2023 Lions alternate). But who knows?

There are nine 2024 alternates still available for Riddell to tap into:

  1. Arizona Cardinals black
  2. Cleveland Browns white
  3. Denver Broncos white
  4. Houston Texans red
  5. Indianapolis Colts black
  6. Jacksonville Jaguars white
  7. LA Chargers (dark blue bolt)
  8. New York Jets black
  9. Washington Commanders black

There are also ten 2024 throwbacks:

  1. Dallas Cowboys silver with the red-white-blue stripes
  2. Dallas Cowboys white 1960
  3. Chicago Bears three-striped
  4. NY Jets 1965-77 white
  5. Jacksonville Jaguars black
  6. Minnesota Vikings (albiet in the lighter modern purple)
  7. New Orleans Saints
  8. Green Bay Packers plain yellow
  9. Indianapolis Colts white
  10. Pittsburgh Steelers (grey facemask)

There are 20 limited spots open. They could easily be filled by the 18 above, but I think that’s unlikely. I think nearly all of the alternates get made. Other spots will be filled with maybe a few 2024 throwbacks and new alternates/throwbacks in 2025.

2020 – 2023 potentials

I personally think it’s highly unlikely Riddell will go back this far. But in case, here are the candidates:

  1. Atlanta Falcons 2016-21 matte black alternate
  2. Buffalo Bills 1965-73 throwback
  3. Cleveland Browns 1957-59 throwback (player #)
  4. Denver Broncos 2016-22 midnight blue alternate
  5. Denver Broncos 2023 white alternate
  6. Detroit Lions 2023 honolulu blue alternate
  7. Detroit Lions 1955-56 plain silver throwback
  8. Houston Texans 2022 battle red alternate
  9. Kansas City Chiefs 2019 and 2021 “alternate” with grey facemask
  10. LA Chargers 2020-23 white alternate – yellow bolt with dark blue outline
  11. NY Jets 2022-23 black alternate

Limited Edition Counts

Throwback / Alternate

  • Throwbacks: 10
  • Alternates: 10

NFC: 14

  • East: 4 – Commanders (0/1), Cowboys (1/3), Eagles (1/1), Giants (2/2)
  • North: 4 – Bears (1/2), Packers (1/2), Lions (1/1), Vikings (1/2)
  • South: 4 – Buccaneers (1/1), Falcons (1/1), Panthers (1/1), Saints (1/2)
  • West: 2 – 49ers (1/1), Cardinals (0/1), Rams (0/0), Seahawks (1/1)

AFC: 6

  • East: 2 – Bills (0/0), Dolphins (1/1), Jets (0/2), Patriots (1/1)
  • North: 1 – Bengals (0/0), Browns (0/1), Ravens (1/1), Steelers (0/1)
  • South: 2 – Colts (0/2), Jaguars (0/2), Texans (1/2), Titans (1/1)
  • West: 1 – Broncos (1/2), Chargers (0/1), Chiefs (0/0), Raiders (0/0)

Release & Manufacture Dates

  1. 2024/03/07: Dallas Cowboys alternate – 2023/11
  2. 2024/03/28: Seattle Seahawks throwback – 2023/11
  3. 2024/04/18: Chicago Bears alternate – 2023/11
  4. 2024/05/09: Tampa Bay Buccaneers throwback – 2023/11
  5. 2024/05/30: Carolina Panthers alternate – 2023/11
  6. 2024/06/20: Atlanta Falcons throwback – 2023/11
  7. 2024/08/01: Green Bay Packers alternate – 2024/05
  8. 2024/08/15: Detroit Lions alternate – 2024/05
  9. 2024/09/05: Baltimore Ravens alternate – 2024/05
  10. 2024/09/12: New York Giants throwback – 2024/05
  11. 2024/09/26: Denver Broncos throwback – 2024/05
  12. 2024/10/17: New England Patriots throwback – 2024/05
  13. 2024/11/07: New Orleans Saints alternate – 2024/05
  14. 2024/11/18: Miami Dolphins throwback – 2024/05
  15. 2024/12/19: Houston Oilers throwback – 2024/05
  16. 2025/01/23: Philadelphia Eagles alternate – 2024/05
  17. 2025/02/06: Minnesota Vikings alternate – 2024/09
  18. 2025/02/20: New York Giants throwback (GIANTS logo) – 2024/09
  19. 2025/03/06: San Francisco 49ers throwback – 2024/09
  20. 2025/03/20: Houston Texans alternate (H logo) – 2024/09

Updated Buccaneers Checklist

I appreciate feedback on my site and checklists. On a recent Buccaneers post, fellow collector Steve noted discrepancies in the modern Revolution pocket helmet flag size.

The two helmets on the left are from the same era and are representative of that style. In 2014, the Bucs changed the helmet color, logo and facemask. This is the middle revolution style helmet in the photo below. The next helmet on the right – the speed helmet – continued that style. The final helmet on the right is the helmet the Bucs currently wear today.

One may notice an anomoly with the middle revolution helmet. Although the flag is the same as the modern helmet, itā€™s noticably smaller. The actual flag was larger, as shown in the flags on the right. I suspect Riddell figured it couldnā€™t fit the sword hilt by the ear hole and reduced the size. Regardless, the actual helmet flag was similar in size to the flags on the speed helmet.

I also discovered the Bucs darkened in the pewter color in 2014. That color remains to this day.

So, this is a helmet error. Thanks to Steve for pointing this out! I updated the Bucs, revolution and teams websites to reflect this change.

Left to Right:
1. 1997-2013 traditional (light pewter, 1997-13 logo, black facemask)
2. 1997-2013 revolution (light pewter, 1997-13 logo, black facemask)
3. 2014-19 revolution (dark pewter, 2014-19 logo, silver facemask)
4. 2014-19 speed (dark pewter, 2014-19 logo, silver facemask)
5. 2020-present speed (dark pewter, 2020-present logo, black facemask)

Someday, I am going to research the 1976-96 creamsickle helmet facemask colors. Riddell has manufactured three helmets from this era: a two-bar, traditional, and speed as part of the 2024 limited edition series. They all have different colors. The two-bar is noticeably red. The traditional is orange. The speed is more of a bay orange color. And Riddell apparently manufactured a two-bar helmet with a grey facemask!

See the NFL hex colors website for more information on where I got “bay orange” from!

Revised Vikings Checklist

Well, one learns something new every day šŸ™‚

When I purchased the new Vikings white alternate, I noticed the Vikings had changed helmet colors over the years. It hasn’t always been a regular purple. In fact, there have been four different shades (in addition to four facemask colors and two different horns, not including the white alternate).

I also discovered a revolution style helmet I didn’t know existed. It is for the 2002-05 Vikings helmet. Considering Riddell started the Revolution helmets around 2005, this one must have just snuck in.

Here is a photo of all the factory Vikings pocket helmets. The Vikings are one of the rare teams with a factory helmet for all the years and styles. There are no gaps. The revised checklist is available on the Vikings pocket helmet page.

First row: 1961-79 (dark purple, classic horn, grey facemask)
Row 2: 1980-84 (dark purple, classic horn, grey facemask), 1985-2001 (dark purple, classic horn, purple facemask)
Row 3: 2002-05 (fade purple, classic horn, purple facemask)
Row 4: 2006-12 (fade purple, modern horn, purple facemask), 2006-12 (medium purple, modern horn, black facemask)
Row 5: 2019-present (light purple, modern horn, black facemask), 2023-present white alternate

The Collector’s Dilemma

The Vikings alternate pocket helmet sold out fast. In about an hour in fact. I think this could be a problem.

Four Types of Collectors

There are three types of collectors who buy pocket helmets. There are serious collectors, like myself. Next, there are casual buyers who think the helmets are kind of cool. Maybe they only buy helmets for their favorite teams. And finally, kids. I thought gumball helmets were the best growing up, but I never saw them as collectables. They were toys.

There’s a fourth type who aren’t collectors. They’re hoarders. They purchase as many as they can and sit on them, hoping for a profit in the long run. This isn’t a criticism and I am in no way criticizing what they do. They see an opportunity and jump on it. Hoarders seems like a bad term, but I can’t think of a better one šŸ™‚

The Problem

The 2024 limited edition pocket helmets had a run of 2000, which seemed like a perfect number. It’s just enough to accomodate everyone. And it generally took a few months for them to sell out. That model worked really well and was a lot of fun.

In 2025, however, the run is limited to 525 helmets. Most of the helmets went to the hoarders, with one seller having as many 40 available on ebay. They are going for about $30 (including shipping), a significant markup from buying from Riddell directly ($16 including shipping). If a hoarder sells 20, that’s almost $300 in profit. Not too bad, but not worth the time and hassle for many others.

But if a regular or casual collector has to spend about $30 for each helmet from a hoarder, that’s about $700 in one year. That price point is likely too much for many collectors. I was prepared to spend $375 this year, but not $700. I would probably stop collecting and maybe focus on making my own custom helmets.

Not to mention the logistics of coordinating one’s schedule to fit the narrow 60 minute purchase window. I feel like a run of 525 with nearly unlimited purchase amounts could hurt the market, similar to what happened to baseball cards in the early 1990’s.

Maybe the hoarders will find their strategy didn’t work, that they overestimated the market, and will back off. That will open up things up somewhat. Time will tell.

Solutions

  • One strategy would be to up the production to 2000. Or maybe do two runs of 525. Another option is to limit purchases to 5 or less helmets per order.
  • I think it would be cool if Riddell sold blank shells so individuals could make their own helmets. Or offer 3D print files for free or for sale.
  • Another idea is to sell some of the limited editions in 2, 4, 8 or more sets.
  • A final option is to give up the idea of selling the helmets as limited editions and open the market.

Vikings Pocket Helmet Drop

Here it is: the 2nd drop of the 25 helmet 2025 limited edition series. The Minnesota Vikings 2024 alternate.

This makes a total of 17 limited edition helmets. Since 23 more will produced in 2025, that will make a total of 40 in two years.

There are a lot of options to choose from this year to fill out the other 23. I would definitely anticipate more alternates from the list below.

One issue would be alternates from the last few years that have been discontinued. The Broncos have 2 alternates from before 2024 (one white and the other midnight blue). Or the Lions and Texans 2023 alternates. I will be curious to see how far back Riddell goes. Maybe they could surprise with a throwback or alternate in a 2-bar or traditional style, like the 1994 Bills alternate (traditional) or 1960 Chargers (2-bar).

Potential Alternates and Throwbacks for the Next Drop

  • Bears 1933 throwback (three orange stripes)
  • Browns 2022 alternate white and maybe the 1957-59 throwback (last worn in 2021)
  • Broncos 2016-23 alternate midnight blue; and 2023 and 2024 whites (3 total)
  • Cardinals 2023 alternate black
  • Chargers alternates (2)
  • Chiefs 2023 alternate, grey facemask
  • Colts 2022 alternate black and 1956-57 throwback
  • Commanders 2022 alternate black, 2020 plain burgundy, grey facemask alternate,
  • Cowboys 1976 throwback (last worn in 2022)
  • Giants 1981-99 throwback
  • Jaguars 2024 alternate white and 1995-2012 throwback
  • Jets 2022-23 alternate black, 2024 alternate black, 2015-18 alternate white, and 1965-77 throwback
  • Lions 2023 alternate honolulu blue and 2000s plain silver throwback
  • Packers plain brown throwback (last worn in 2022), plain yellow throwback with green facemask (last worn in 2019) and plain yellow with green stripe and grey facemask (last worn in 2021)
  • Saints 1976-99 throwback
  • Texans 2022-23 alternate battle red; 2024 alternate battle red and alternate stell blue (3 total)
  • Vikings 1961-75 throwback
  • 49ers 1989-95 throwback

2024 Limited Edition Speed Series (1 of 2000)

  1. Atlanta Falcons 1966-69: Red helmet, grey facemask, gold-white-black-white-gold stripes, floating feather lines, V-neck
  2. Baltimore Ravens 2024-present alternate: Purple helmet, front facing Ravens logo, gold tapered stripes, gold facemask
  3. Carolina Panthers 2022-present alternate: Black helmet, black facemask, tapered Carolina blue stripes, Carolina blue panther
  4. Chicago Bears 2022-present alternate: Orange helmet, navy facemask, navy ā€œCā€ with white outline
  5. Dallas Cowboys 2022-present alternate: White helmet, white facemask, blue star with blue and white outline
  6. Denver Broncos 1993-96 throwback: Royal blue helmet, 93-96 D logo, orange-white-orange stripes, white facemask
  7. Detroit Lions 2024-present alternate: Honolulu blue helmet, modern black lion with white/black outline, black/white/black/white/black/white/black stripes, black facemask
  8. Green Bay Packers 2024-present alternate: White helmet, G logo, white facemask
  9. Miami Dolphins 1966, 69-73 (2015-present throwback): White helmet, dolphin #1 inside ring, aqua-white-orange-white-aqua stripes, grey facemask
  10. New England Patriots 1982-90 (2002, 2010-12, 2022-present throwback): White helmet, Pat Patriot logo, red-white-blue-white-red stripes, white facemask
  11. New Orleans Saints 2022 alternate: Black helmet, black facemask, tapered gold/black stripe, modern fleur de lis logo
  12. New York Giants 2024 throwback: Blue helmet, red stripes and wings, grey facemask
  13. Seattle Seahawks 1983-2011 (2023 – present throwback): Silver helmet, classic Seahawk, blue facemask
  14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 1976-96 (2023-present throwback): White helmet, Buccaneer logo, red-orange-red stripes, orange facemask
  15. Tennessee Titans / Houston Oilers 1981-96 (2023-present throwback): White helmet, blue derrick with red outline, red facemask, red-white-blue-white-red stripes

2025 Limited Edition Speed Series (1 of 500)

  1. Minnesota Vikings 2024 alternate: White helmet, off-white horn with purple outline, silver-grey-silver stripes, silver facemask
  2. Philadelphia Eagles 2022-present alternate: Black helmet, modern wing, black facemask