This is a throwback to the 1995-2008 helmet. It sounds weird that a helmet as recent as 2008 would have a throwback! A few other fun facts:
Riddell made this helmet in two-bar, traditional, chrome, and revolution styles. Now that there’s a speed factory helmet, this is one of the few helmets for which Riddell has made a factory pocket helmet in all five of the factory styles. The only other teams are the Cowboys, Texans, and Ravens.
For a long time, I thought this helmet was worn through 2012. But in 2009, the Jaguars changed the color to a SpectraFlair black. A fellow collector brought that to me attention. Otherwise, it is the same. More info about that on a blog post I made.
This is the second limited edition Jaguars drop, the other being the white alternate.
From 2024, the only throwback helmets left are the Colts and Saints. I expect Riddell will release them. There’s also the Steelers helmet with the grey facemask and plain yellow Packers “throwback.” Excited to see what’s next!
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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).
The 2024 Texans alternate is the 5th 2025 limited edition and 20th overall (including 2024). There have been 10 alternates and 10 throwbacks. So everything is even steven now.
I don’t personally perfer helmet logos that are letters, but this one is pretty sharp. I like the attention to detail with the red flakes and Texans logo on the back. I also like this helmet because it’s difficult to make a customized version. The factory helmets are obviously sharper and cleaner.
The battle red from 2022 is one of my favorite alternates. I doubt Riddell will make that one as it is from a few years ago. In fact, this would have been a great opportunity to make team set: 2022 battle red alternate and the two 2024 alternates.
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, it’s noticably smaller. The actual flag was larger, as shown in the flags on the right. I suspect Riddell figured it couldn’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!
When my new factory Saints alternate helmet arrived, I reevaluated the gold helmet colors. I noticed six different shades of pocket helmets, as shown in the photo below. The photo below displays the helmets in chronological order, from left to right.
I had to estimate some of the dates. And even though the pocket helmet color changed, in some instances I could find no evidence the actual helmet color changed on sites like the Gridiron Uniform Database, which has the Saints wearing seven different shades of gold in 1967-72, 1973-74, 1975-76, 1978-98, 1988-99, 2000-11, and 2012-present. Other sources have different information and dates. I wish the Saints helmets over the years site had better photos to compare.
So, I created the list below. It’s likely not entirely representative of actual helmet colors, so I wouldn’t refer to this list as definitive. But, I believe it’s definitive for pocket size helmets. Zoom in on the photo below to see the different shades.
1967-75: Old gold helmet, classic fleur de lis logo, grey facemask (traditional; this photo actually displays the 1968 version with the reversed stripes). This color and dates are confirmed.
1976-99: Gold helmet, classic fleur de lis logo, black facemask (traditional). This is the most obvious color change. This color and dates are confirmed.
2000-04: Light gold helmet, classic fleur de lis logo, black facemask (traditional). The color change here is subtle, but can be seen by zooming in. New Orleans did update the logo this year. So it makes sense the color would change as well. Research indicates the Saints kept this shade of gold until 2011. However, the Revolution style helmet, which entered into production around 2005, is noticeably different.
2005-11: Metallic gold helmet, modern fleur de lis logo, black facemask (revolution). The revolution style helmet has a noticeably strong metallic colors.
2012-14: Light metallic gold helmet, Metallic Gold, modern fleur de lis logo, black facemask (revolution). The Saints did change the shade of gold in 2012. And most claim that the color has remained consistent to this day. However, the newer revolution helmet is lighter and closer to the pre-2011 revolution helmet color than the contemporary speed gold helmet. I estimated the dates.
2015-present: Antique gold, modern fleur de lis logo, black facemask. This matches the contemporary color. Again, the date is an estimate based on the year Riddell started manufacturing helmets in the speed style.
Riddell introduced a new collectable helmet titled the “midi.” At 7.5 inches, it’s in between a mini and a full size helmet. Riddell generally makes five types of collectables. There are varying alternates and throwbacks in all the styles.
Some may wonder: what was the helmet of players? The helmet of players was a large helmet that included tiny figures, kind of like army men. They were made in the late 90’s and early 2000’s, I guess. They had the same packaging as pocket helmets from the time. I purchased a KC Chiefs one and would like to collect all the teams. They go for about $25 each on eBay, so I will likely stick with my one Chiefs helmet 🙂
Helmets not manufactured by Riddell
Another type of helmet is, of course, the classic gumball collectable helmet. However, Riddell does not manufacture gumball helmets. These came in a variety of types.
There’s also a helmet I see a lot of called the “Mighty Mini.” These helmets look a lot like pocket helmets, but are more squat and have the team name on the front (Pocket helmets are usually blank or have the Riddell logo on the front). I speculate these were made in the late 90s through the mid 2000s. I have no idea who manufactured them, however. Maybe it was Riddell?
Riddell NFL Pocket Pro Helmets 