Texans Drop

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:

Cowboys 1976 throwback with the red-white-blue stripes.
Colts 1956-57 throwback, worn in 2024 and after 2021 as a throwback.
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.
Saints 1976-99 throwback, worn periodically as a throwback between 2011 and 2024.
Jets 1965-77 throwback, worn in 2024.
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:

Total: 31
2024: 15/15
2025: 16/25
Throwbacks: 11
Alternates: 18
Alternate throwbacks: 1

NFC: 19

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

AFC: 12

East: 3 – Bills (0/0), Dolphins (1/1), Jets (1/2), Patriots (1/1)
North: 2 – Bengals (0/0), Browns (1/1), Ravens (1/1), Steelers (0/1)
South: 5 – Colts (1/2), Jaguars (1/2), Texans (2/2), Titans (1/1)
West: 2 – Broncos (2/2), Chargers (0/1), Chiefs (0/0), Raiders (0/0)

The Old Super Bowl Logo Pocket Helmets

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 17, 22, and 26

These were made for the Washington 4-piece team set and likely to honor the Washington 1980’s dynasty.

Super Bowls 36-39

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).

An unusual Vikings drop

And we are down to 10 left in 2025!

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:

Special edition count

Total: 30
2024: 15/15
2025: 15/25
Throwbacks: 12
Alternates: 17
Alternate throwbacks: 1

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.

Cardinals + other drops

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.

Here’s the count so far. More info here.

Total: 29
2024: 15/15
2025: 14/25
Throwbacks: 12
Alternates: 17

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).

Two-bar – from Bears Super Bowl 4-piece team set
Traditional – from Washington Football Team Super Bowl 4-piece team set
Revolution – sold individually
Speed – sold individually

Other 2025 releases

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.

Washington Commanders On-Field Alternate Riddell Full Size Replica Speed Helmet Super Bowl Era with Yellow Gold Facemask New 2025

Bengals 1969-80 throwback. I haven’t seen anything official, but it appears Riddell made a factory version this pocket helmet.

Cincinnati Bengals NEW 2025 RIDDELL pocket pro helmet in package 1968-1979

Broncos Pocket Drop & Two Alternates

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.

Colts + Weird drops

Colts drop

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.

Throwback / Alternate

Total: 27
2024: 15/15
2025: 12/25
Throwbacks: 12
Alternates: 15

NFC: 17

East: 6 – Commanders (1/1), Cowboys (2/3), Eagles (1/1), Giants (2/2)
North: 5 – Bears (2/2), 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: 10

East: 3 – Bills (0/0), Dolphins (1/1), Jets (1/2), Patriots (1/1)
North: 2 – Bengals (0/0), Browns (1/1), Ravens (1/1), Steelers (0/1)
South: 4 – Colts (1/2), Jaguars (1/2), Texans (1/2), Titans (1/1)
West: 1 – Broncos (1/2), Chargers (0/1), Chiefs (0/0), Raiders (0/0)

Weird Drops

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!

Jaquars Update

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!!!

Years	Color	Facemask	Logo	Pocket helmet
1995-2008 2024-present throwback	Black	Black	Classic	Traditional Throwback Series 1 Revolution Chrome Throwback 2-bar
2009-12	SpectraFlair Black Teal	Black	Class	None
2013-17	Fade black / gold	Black	Modern	Revolution Speed
2018-present	Black	Black	Modern	Speed
2024-present alternate	White	Black	Modern	Speed – limited edition

Two more drops: Bears and Browns

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

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.

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 – Commanders (1/1), Cowboys (2/3), 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: 8

East: 3 – Bills (0/0), Dolphins (1/1), Jets (1/2), Patriots (1/1)
North: 1 – Bengals (0/0), Browns (0/1), Ravens (1/1), Steelers (0/1)
South: 3 – Colts (0/2), Jaguars (1/2), Texans (1/2), Titans (1/1)
West: 1 – 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

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

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

2025/01/23: Philadelphia Eagles 2022-present alternate – 2024/05
2025/02/06: Minnesota Vikings 2024-present alternate – 2024/09
2025/02/20: New York Giants throwback (GIANTS logo) – 2024/09
2025/03/06: San Francisco 49ers throwback – 2024/09
2025/03/20: Houston Texans 2024-present alternate (H logo) – 2024/09
2025/04/10: Washington Commanders 2022-present alternate — 2024/09
2025/04/17: Dallas Cowboys white throwback – 2024/09
2025/05/01: New York Jets 2024-present alternate – 2024/09
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:

1993 alternate
1994 alternate
2016-18 alternate. This helmet is the same as the primary. It had a white facemask instead of a green facemask.
2015, 2017-18 white “color rush” alternate with the brighter, metallic green
2022-23 black alternate
2024 throwback to 1965-77

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!

Limited Edition Checklist Update

Throwback / Alternate

Throwbacks: 11
Alternates: 12

NFC: 16

East: 6 – Commanders (1/1), Cowboys (2/3), 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: 7

East: 3 – Bills (0/0), Dolphins (1/1), Jets (1/2), 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

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

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

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

2025/01/23: Philadelphia Eagles 2022-present alternate – 2024/05
2025/02/06: Minnesota Vikings 2024-present alternate – 2024/09
2025/02/20: New York Giants throwback (GIANTS logo) – 2024/09
2025/03/06: San Francisco 49ers throwback – 2024/09
2025/03/20: Houston Texans 2024-present alternate (H logo) – 2024/09
2025/04/10: Washington Commanders 2022-present alternate — likely 2024/09
2025/04/17: Dallas Cowboys white throwback – likely 2024/09
2025/05/01: New York Jets 2024-present alternate – likely 2024/09