Tag: riddell

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)

Broncos and Texans Updates

Broncos

The Broncos announced three changes:

  • Regular helmet: 2024-present: Midnight blue helmet, modern bronco logo, dotted orange arrow stripes, midnight blue facemask
  • Alternate: 2024-present alternate: White helmet, modern bronco logo, dotted midnight blue arrow stripes, white facemask
  • Throwback: 1976-78: Dark blue and medium blue helmets, 1968-92 ‘D’ logo, white-orange-white stripes, white facemask

The new regular helmet is basically the same as the previous helmet. It only has a different stripe. Same with the white alternate.

It appears the midnight blue alternate Denver wore between 2016 and 2023 will be retired. As will the 2023 alternate. I would not anticipate Riddell making factory versions of these pocket helmets as they are now outdated.

The Broncos twitter feed suggests the throwback is a throwback to 1977. However, the image appears to display the 1993-96 logo. As noted on my Broncos pocket helmet site, the Broncos changed the “D” logo in 1993. There’s also the issue of the color. The Broncos wore the lighter blue later, mostly in the 80s and 90s. However, there is evidence to suggest the Broncos wore multiple shades of blue in 1976-77. So, the color might match.

There’s a lot of nostalgia for this helmet. I think it looks great. But I have also liked the newer Broncos logo and helmet from the last 20 years. It has a clean, modern look. The logo also stands out. The throwback is an orange D with, from a distance, looks like a white ink blot.

Texans

The Texans released two new alternates for 2024. one midnight blue and the other red. Both are significant departures from the current helmet. The midnight blue alternate appears to incorporate Oilers colors.

A factory pocket helmet of the red alternate was not made last year (2023). I would expect this helmet to be retired and a factory pocket helmet not made.

From Texans Twitter feed

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:

Steelers Pocket Helmet Update

I came across a photo on the Santuario Steelers facebook site today. Apparently, the Steelers made a slight change to their logo in 2002. The differences are subtle and have to do with the shield logos. Here are the differences:

  1. Different Steelers font.
  2. Deeper colors in the diamonds.
  3. A black ring around the grey circle (this is almost impossible to see with a black background).

To my previous knowledge, the Steelers only had two logos: the “Steel” logo from 1962 and the “Steelers” logo 1963-present.

I checked my Steelers pocket helmets. I did notice differences in the helmet logos. I assumed these differences were the results of minor variations in factory printing. It turns out there were also variations in the hypocycloid colors and grey ring. But they were likely intentional.

I went to the authority on all things football uniform related, the Gridiron Uniform Database. I did not see mention of a change between 2001 and 2002. This article by Bill Schaefer detailed the following history. I think the yellow helmets are using a more modern “Steelers” font. So, this could be an error on Riddell’s part.

  1. 1962: Yellow helmet, Steel logo, yellow-orange-blue hypocycloids, grey facemask. The factory pocket helmet from this era has yellow-red-blue hypocycloids. This helmet is in the throwback series 1 and throwback 2 bar sets.
  2. 1963-67: Black helmet, smaller Steelers logo, yellow-orange-blue hypocycloids, grey facemask. The factory pocket helmet from this era has yellow-red-blue hypocycloids.
  3. 1967-77: Black helmet, even smaller Steelers logo, yellow-Vermilion-blue hypocycloids, black facemask. The factory pocket helmet from this era has yellow-red-blue hypocycloids. Vermillion is a color between orange and red I randomly chose. Regardless, it demonstrates the gradual change from orange to red. This helmet, along with the previous 1963-67 helmet, would be in the throwback series 1, series 2, throwback 2-bar, and throwback 2-bar 1969 sets.
  4. 1978-90: Black helmet, more smaller Steelers logo, yellow-red-blue hypocycloids, black facemask. This helmet is in the traditional style.
  5. 1990-2001: Black helmet, Steelers logo, yellow-red-blue hypocycloids, black facemask. This helmet is in the traditional style. According to the Schaefer article, the font was bolded in 1990. A search through Getty Images convinced me the font was bolder in the 1990s.
  6. 2002-present: Black helmet, Steelers logo with changed font, yellow-red-blue hypocycloids, black circle around gray border, black facemask. This helmet would be in the traditional, revolution and speed styles.

As much as I love attention to detail, it’s daunting to research all of the minor variations in colors and fonts. I am going to slightly amend the Steelers checklist for my personal collection. Other collectors may want to be more detailed.

Here is my revised checklist: