Tag: riddell-collectables

Saints Helmet Colors

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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 2005-11: Metallic gold helmet, modern fleur de lis logo, black facemask (revolution). The revolution style helmet has a noticeably strong metallic colors.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
1967-75 (trad), 1976-99 (trad), 2000-04 (trad), 2005-11 (rev), 2012-14 (rev), 2015-present (speed)

Giants Drop and Revised Checklist

Riddell dropped the 1981-99 throwback pocket helmet with the GIANTS logo. The Giants have worn this as a throwback since 2022.

Some of you may be thinking: “Wait, the Giants started wearing this throwback annually in 2016, not 2022!” I’ll explain.

Between 1981 and 1999, the helmet with the GIANTS logo was dark blue. In 2000, the Giants switched to the NY logo and changed the color to a lighter, metallic blue. In 2016, the Giants wanted to wear the 1981-99 throwback for some games.

However, the NFL had a one helmet rule. So, the Giants swapped the NY and GIANTS logos on the same helmets. Thus, the 1981-99 throwback the Giants wore in 2016 was metallic blue, not the dark blue the team actually wore.

In 2022, the NFL dropped the one helmet rule. This meant the Giants could wear the GIANTS logo helmet with the darker shade of blue. So, in 2022, they switched the throwback to a dark blue.

I included an updated checklist below. I also updated the Giants team site and will make further updates with photos when my new helmet arrives. I also updated the speed and teams checklist sites.

Other interesting things:

  • The Giants are the only team to have two limited edition series helmets.
  • The Giants have three speed factory helmets, two of which are alternates.
  • This is the 18th limited edition helmet. 9 have been throwbacks and 9 alternates.

Updated Giants Checklist

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 🙂

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 “C” 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

More Pocket Helmet Drops!

Riddell just posted there will be 25 (!) drops in 2025. No information on whether the drops will be NFL or college. Of if they will be released individually or in sets. Riddell noted the helmets will be more limited. Instead of 2000, only 525 will be manufactured.

While I am excited Riddell is making these, the prospect of purchasing 25 indiviual helmets over the course of an entire year can get expensive. 25 * $15 for each helmet is $375. Part of being a collector, I suppose 🙂

Assuming these are NFL helmets, what can we expect? The first thing Riddell could do is release contemporary alternates. Helmets that have not been manufactured by Riddell are below. Helmets that have been manufactured are on my speed style site. As you can tell, there are more than enough for 25 helmets.

If would be cool if some were released as sets, like Riddell used to do in the old days. For example, the three Broncos alternate helmets plus the 1966 Broncos throwback?

  1. Arizona Cardinals 2023-present alternate – black
  2. Arizona Cardinals 2016 alternate – white
  3. Atlanta Falcons 2016-21 alternate – black
  4. Cleveland Browns 2022-present alternate – white
  5. Denver Broncos 2016-23 alternate – midnight blue
  6. Denver Broncos 2023 alternate – white
  7. Denver Broncos 2024-present alternate – white
  8. Detroit Lions 2003-10 alternate – plain silver, black facemask
  9. Detroit Lions 2023 alternate – honolulu blue
  10. Green Bay Packers 1994, 2013-19 alternate – plain yellow
  11. Green Bay Packers 2010-11, 2022 alternate – plain brown
  12. Houston Texans 2022-2023 alternate – battle red
  13. Houston Texans 2024-present alternate – steel blue
  14. Houston Texans 2024-present alternate – battle red
  15. Indianapolis Colts 2023-present alternate – black
  16. Jacksonville Jaguars 2024-present alternate – white
  17. LA Chargers 2016-19 alternate – White helmet, yellow bolt with dark blue outline, yellow facemask
  18. LA Chargers 2020 – present alternate – White helmet, yellow bolt with light blue and dark blue outline, yellow facemask
  19. LA Chargers 2020 – present alternate – White helmet, yellow bolt with light blue outline, player # on helmet, yellow facemask
  20. Minnesota Vikings 2024-present alternate – white
  21. NY Jets 2016-18 alternate – white
  22. NY Jets 2015, 2017-18 “color rush” alternate – white
  23. NY Jets 2022-23 alternate – black
  24. NY Jets 2024-present alternate – black
  25. Philadelphia Eagles 2022-present alternate – black
  26. Washington Commanders 2022-present alternate – black

Of course, Riddell could go further back in history and made some other alternates, maybe in traditional or revolution styles. Some fun ones could include the 1994 Bills, 1993 Jets, or 1994 Jets alternates.

Many teams wear throwbacks in contemporary speed helmet styles. Riddell could also fill some gaps here:

  1. Chicago Bears 1936-37 (2019-present throwback)
  2. Cleveland Browns 1956-67 (2006-08, 2021 throwback)
  3. Dallas Cowboys 1976 (2021-22 throwback)
  4. Detroit Lions 1956-57 (2017-20, 2022-23 throwback) – plain silver, grey facemask
  5. Indianapolis Colts 1956-57 (2004, 2021-present throwback)
  6. Jacksonville Jaguars 1995-2012 (2024 throwback) – black
  7. Kansas City Chiefs 2019, 21 “throwback” – grey facemask
  8. Minnesota Vikings 1961-79 (2007-11, 2023 throwback)
  9. NY Giants 1981-99 (2016-present throwback)
  10. NY Jets 1965-77 (2024 throwback)
  11. Philadelphia Eagles 1994 “alternate” throwback
  12. Philadelphia Eagles 1933 (2007 throwback)
  13. San Francisco 49ers 1989-95 (2005-08, 2018-present throwback)
  14. Washington Commanders (aka Boston Braves) 1933 (2012 throwback)

Or Riddell could go way back and fill some other gaps and make helmets in traditional or 2-bar styles. I think it would be cool to see the 1966 Broncos, 1960 Chargers, 1974-87 Chargers, 1980-88 Dolphins, 1989-96 Dolphins, 1969 Saints pre-season, 1975 Giants, 1964 Jets, 1962 Steelers, 1964-65 Oilers, and 1972-74 Oilers.

Giants Pocket Helmet Drop

I like this one! Riddell will drop at Giants pocket size throwback helmet today. It’s a reference to the 1937-47 leather wing front helmet.

From Riddell Collectables

Pocket helmet trivia. This is only the 2nd factory Riddell pocket helmet that references a leather helmet. The other is the 1948 Rams which was part of the throwback series 1 and throwback 2-bar sets.

Leather helmets as contemporary throwbacks. Six teams have worn leather helmets as throwbacks in modern times:

  • The Bears have wore the 1936-37 leather helmet as a every year since 2019.
  • The Packers wore a throwback of sorts in 2010-11. It might be a reference to their original helmet color in the 1920’s through the 1930’s.
  • The aforementioned Giants 1937-47 helmet worn in 2024.
  • The Eagles wore a throwback to their 1933 leather helmet in 2007.
  • The Steelers wore a plain black throwback in 1994 as a tribute to the 1942 team. The 1942 team only wore the plain black leather helmet for two games. I assume it was easier to just remove the sticker.
  • The Commanders wore a plain brown helmet in 2012 as a throwback to the 1932 helmet when the team was the Boston Braves. In 1994 and 2020 the Commanders wore a plain burgundy helmet with a yellow (1994) and grey (2020) facemask. These could be homages to the burgundy leather helmets the Commanders wore in the 1930’s and 40’s.

Throwback / Alternate / Primary Updates

All factory 2024 primary helmets are up to date. These can be purchased online or in pro shops. Riddell has done a good job staying on top of these.

Since Riddell likes to stick to contemporary alternate helmets in the most recent speed style, I would guess the next factory helmets will be the Broncos, Jaguars (white), Jets (2024 black), Texans, or Vikings alternates. I suspect the alternates from the previous few years for the Broncos, Browns, Cardinals, Colts, Commanders, Eagles and Saints would be a lower priority. In terms of a throwback, I would guess the Patriots or the Dolphins.

Recent *Factory* Throwback and Alternate Helmets

Throwbacks:

  • Buccaneers 1976-96 – released in 2024
  • Eagles 1970s80s – – released in 2023
  • Falcons 1966-69- released in 2024
  • Seahawks 1983-2001- released in 2024
  • Giants 1937-47- released in 2024

Alternates:

  • Bears 2022-present (orange)- released in 2024
  • Bengals 2022-present (white)- released in 2023
  • Cowboys 2022-present (white) – released in 2024
  • Lions 2023 – released in 2024 (very rare)
  • Lions 2024 – present – released in 2024
  • Packers 2024-present (white) – released in 2024
  • Panthers 2022-present (black) – released in 2024
  • Ravens 2024-present (purple) – released in 2024

Gaps in Throwbacks and Alternates:

Throwbacks:

  • Bears 1936-37 (three orange stripes) – worn since 2019.
  • Broncos 1976-78 – starting in 2024.
  • Browns 1957-59 (player numbers on helmet) – worn in 2006-08 and 2021.
  • Chargers 1961-73 (white helmet with player number) – worn in the early 2000s. Factory helmet exist in throwback sets, however.
  • Colts 1956-57 (white helmet with horseshoes on back) – worn in 2004 and since 2021.
  • Cowboys 1976 (red white blue stripes) – worn in 2021-22. Also available as a factory throwback, however.
  • Dolphins 1989-96 – wore in the 2003 Thanksgiving game.
  • Dolphins 1966-73 – wore since 2015 as a throwback.
  • Eagles 1933 – wore in 2007 as a throwback
  • Giants 1981-99 – wore since 2016 as a throwback. Factory traditional style helmets exist.
  • Jaguars 1995-12 (factory helmets exist in other styles, however. Revolution, traditional, and 2-bar) – starting in 2024.
  • Jets 1978-89 – worn in 2023 as an alternate. However, Jets adopted this helmet as their primary in 2024. So factory helmets are around.
  • Lions 1954-56 (plain silver with grey facemask) – worn periodically since 2017.
  • Oilers 1960-63 (columbia blue) – wore in 1994 and 2009 as a throwback. Factory throwback helmets in traditional and 2-bar styles exist.
  • Oilers 1975-96 – wore in 2023 as a throwback by the Titans.
  • Packers 1955-50 (plain yellow with a green stripe) – worn in 2001 and 2021.
  • Packers 1920s helmets (plain brown) – worn in 2010-11 and 2022.
  • Patriots 1961-63 – wore in 2009 as a throwback. Factory helmets exist in throwback sets, however.
  • Patriots 1964-81 – wore in 1994 as a throwback. Factory helmets exist in throwback sets, however.
  • Patriots 1982-90 – wore in 2002, 2010-12 and 2023 as a throwback.
  • Vikings 1961-79 – worn in 2007-11 and 2023 as a throwback

Alternates:

  • Bills 1994 (red)
  • Broncos 2016-2023 – color rush
  • Broncos 2023 (white) – old Broncos logo
  • Broncos 2024-present (white) – current Broncos logo
  • Browns 2022-present (white)
  • Cardinals 2016 color rush
  • Cardinals 2022-present (black)
  • Chargers 2016-18 color rush (white)
  • Chargers 2020 alternate (different bolt colors; Chargers wore three helmets)
  • Chargers 2020 alternate (different bolt colors; Chargers wore three helmets)
  • Colts 2023-present (black)
  • Commanders 2022-present (black)
  • Eagles 2022-present (black)
  • Falcons 2016-present (matte black)
  • Jaguars 2024-present (white)
  • Jets 1993 (green)
  • Jets 1994 (green)
  • Jets 2015-18 color rush
  • Jets 2022-23 (black)
  • Jets 2024-present (black)
  • Lions 1994, 2001-02 (plain silver helmet with blue facemask)
  • Lions 2003-04, 08, 10 (plan silver helmet with black facemask)
  • Packers 1994, 2013-19 (plain yellow helmet with a green facemask)
  • Saints 2022-present (black)
  • Texans 2022-2023 (battle red)
  • Texans 2024-present (steel blue)
  • Texans 2024-present (2024 red)
  • Vikings 2024-present (white)

Seahawks 2023 Throwback Announced

Riddell announced the release of the 1983-2001 Seahawks throwback helmet. The Seahawks wore this helmet in 2023. The original helmet was silver with a blue facemask. This is the first time Riddell has manufactured this helmet in the speed style.

Here are the updates on factory Riddell pocket helmets as of March 2024. I have only seen the Cowboys and Seahawks helmets available on the Riddell website. All others have to be purchased from secondary sellers on eBay or other sites.

  • Cincinnati Bengals 2022-present alternate: White helmet, black facemask, black stripes, speed style
  • Dallas Cowboys 2022-present alternate: White helmet, blue star with blue outline, two blues stripes, speed style
  • Detroit Lions 2023-present alternate: Honolulu blue helmet, alternate logo, grey facemask, speed style
  • Philadelphia Eagles 1985-96 throwback: Green helmet, silver wing with white outline, grey facemask, speed style
  • Pittsburg Steelers 2007-11 alternate/throwback: Plain yellow helmet, ”Steelers” logo, black stripe, revolution style. This helmet is no longer manufactured.

Oilers Pocket Factory Helmet Update

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.

Neil Leifer Collection, Getty Images, 11/28/1968.
Neil Leifer Collection, Getty Images, 12/21/1969.
Ron Kuntz Collection, Getty Images, 11/20/1979

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!

Bettmann Collection, Getty Images, 11/14/1971
JJ Fowler, Pinterest, Date unknown
Helmet Addict, Twitter, Date unknown

Detroit Lions Riddell Pocket Helmet Update

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:

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.

References: