Christian D'Andrea
July 1, 2024 7:01 am ET
For nearly a decade, we were stuck in a dimension where NFL throwback helmets barely existed.
A 2013 league rule limiting teams to a single primary helmet meant designs like Pat Patriot or the Steelers’ yellow lids had to be mothballed. That changed in 2022, allowing nature to heal in the form of old school appearances and new, bold ventures into unique colors and designs. The majority of the NFL’s 32 teams have added an alternate helmet in the years since, with teams like the Baltimore Ravens, Minnesota Vikings and New York Giants jumping into the mix this fall.
And, because it’s July and we’re still a month away from even exhibition football, it’s time to wade into a subjective argument about which ones are best.
For this ranking, I’m only using recent alternate helmet designs — so while the throwbacks of the 1990s have merit, I’m only going to try and run with things we’re liable to see on the field this fall or beyond. And here’s where I’ll mention the obscene helpfulness of the Gridiron Uniform Database, which is invaluable for sparking stupid debates like the 32 I’m set to wade into.
Let’s talk best extra helmets, from bold shots that debuted to universal acclaim and others that just sorta exist. And remember, this is all subjective and my forte is quarterback value, not fashion, so it’s entirely possible I am very, very wrong.
32
Kansas City Chiefs: n/a
Sep 24, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) throws a pass against the Chicago Bears during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports ORG XMIT: IMAGN-710546 ORIG FILE ID: 20230924_ams_ba4_0618.JPG
The Chiefs have barely changed their uniforms in the last six decades. They’re not about to mess with helmets.
31
Las Vegas Raiders: n/a
Nov 12, 2023; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) signals a first down against the New York Jets during the second quarter at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-USA TODAY Sports
Mark Davis’ leadership leaves much to be desired, but he’s smart enough to know not to mess with his franchise’s iconic look.
30
San Francisco 49ers: n/a
Sep 17, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (23) celebrates his touchdown scored against the Los Angeles Rams during the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
The Niners have worn the same helmet design for 61 years now.
29
Chicago Bears: Too much orange
Sep 17, 2023; Tampa, Florida, USA; Chicago Bears running back Khalil Herbert (24) stiff arms Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Lavonte David (54) during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports
A bad look made worse by the fact it’s only ever been worn with the team’s way-too-orange alternate jerseys. Facing the Bears in these would be like being slowly suffocated under a pile of neglected Halloween decorations.
28
Green Bay Packers: Yellow blanks
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed (11) rushes for a touchdown against the Los Angeles Chargers during their football game Sunday, November 19, 2023, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis.
Wm. Glasheen USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
Look, any attempt to futurize the Packers’ classic “G” is going to be met with scorn and resistance. This is a franchise that looks back to its roots rather than the years to come. Unless we’re talking about drafting quarterbacks.
If nothing else, these are better than the doo-doo brown the team’s previously worn with its otherwise great throwbacks.
27
Jacksonville Jaguars: Two-toned nonsense
Running back DeMarco Murray (29), in action against Jacksonville Jaguars in Nashville on Oct. 27, was the Tennessee Titans’ leading rusher for 2016 with 1,287 yards on 293 carries with 9 rushing touchdowns.
The Jaguars have resisted the temptation to introduce a new alternate since the league’s rules on helmets was changed before the 2022 season. Which is wild considering just how many uniform variants they’ve had the past decade. They haven’t worn these since 2017, when they were the team’s primary hats.
So that makes their inclusion here a bit of a cheat. Due to this circ*mstance, excuses them from last place even though Jacksonville once considered this a good idea:
26
Washington Commanders: Black numbers
Oct 5, 2023; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell (14) passes the ball against the Chicago Bears during the fourth quarter at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
A simple look would have worked here. Or maybe even just matching the facemask to the yellow in the numbers. Instead, there’s just slightly too much going on for this to be a great look, whether that’s the white panel over the visor, the “W” in the front or the bars toward the back.
25
Detroit Lions: Looong boy blue
Jan 7, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5) celebrates with wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) after scoring a touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings in the third quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports
Most throwbacks default to a simpler design than the current kits. Not these. Why is the Lion so long?
24
New Orleans Saints: Black fleur
Nov 26, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (4) throws a pass against the Atlanta Falcons in the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
The beauty of the Saints’ immaculate uniforms is their simplicity. I’m not sure why they felt this helmet needed a thick gold stripe of tinier fleur-de-lis down the center of the helmet, especially when they just look like polka dots or misplaced mesh from anywhere beyond three feet away.
23
New York Giants: Not Michigan OR Delaware
via nfl.com/giants
Back around the advent of the forward pass, it was both cool and easy to make football helmets look like giant eyelashes. These aren’t bad, but they are vastly inferior to the underlined “GIANTS” or “NY” that New York could wear instead. The Giants swapped out incredible 80s throwbacks to look like the University of Michigan and the Montreal Canadiens had a regretful hookup one night.
22
Indianapolis Colts: Indiana nights/misplaced horseshoes
A pass intended for Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (11) goes incomplete Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, during a game against the Cleveland Browns at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
The helmets were not the problem with the Indiana Nights theme. Ripping off an idea from Tom Petty’s eighth-best song and chopping up some of the league’s best home uniforms was.
The back-U throwback is roughly as boring as an *actual* Indiana night.
21
Pittsburgh Steelers: Mustard lids
December 8, 2011; Pittsburgh,PA, USA: Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rashard Mendenhall (34) carries the ball against the Cleveland Browns during the third quarter at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 14-3. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USPRESSWIRE
I had to go back to 2011 for this, which stretches the reach of the “recently worn” rule but doesn’t break it. Pittsburgh wore yellow helmets early in its existence and into the 1960s. This still feels wrong, however.
20
Arizona Cardinals: Black cardinal
Oct 8, 2023; Glendale, Arizona, United States; Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (6) celebrates his first down run against the Cincinnati Bengals at State Farm Stadium.
It’s a little basic, but it works as part of a blackout kit.
19
Carolina Panthers: Black panther
Dec 17, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard (30) with the ball in the fourth quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
It’s minimalist, but it works. And Carolina is 2-0 while wearing it and 7-25 without it since its inception. You can’t argue with results.
18
Baltimore Ravens: Purple Rising
via BaltimoreRavens.com
The Ravens don’t change things up often, and a purple helmet is a big switch. The gold stripes down the middle are a nice touch. I’m nonplussed by the front-facing raven, however. It looks like he just told a joke and is waiting for you to laugh.
17
Houston Texans: Red horns and H-town
via houstontexans.com
The Texans are dropping two new alternate helmets on the NFL in 2024 and had worn a red variant each of the last two seasons. It’s still too early to say what they’ll look like in action, but a reflective helmet is a nice, if distinctly college football, touch and the addition of powder blue is a welcome tribute to the Oilers’ old, beautiful uniforms. This lands in the middle of the list until we get a good look at each.
16
Cleveland Browns: White and a stripe
Sep 18, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb (24) runs the ball against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
The inverse of the team’s normal helmets is basic, but clean. On its own this alternate helmet isn’t much, but paired with white uniforms the contrast of the brown and orange striping stands out nicely.
15
Buffalo Bills: 1960s throwbacks
Nov 3, 2019; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills running back Devin Singletary (26) celebrates his touchdown run against the Washington Redskins during the fourth quarter at New Era Field. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
Buffalo hasn’t worn these since 2021. They were a convenient throwback during the stretch where teams could only use one primary helmet, since all it took to make this work was swapping out a logo. But now that NFL rules have relaxed, it’s time to bring back the Jim Kelly reds that defined the team’s dominant run through the AFC in the 1990s.
14
Dallas Cowboys: Thanksgiving star
Oct 16, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) celebrates with tight end Jake Ferguson (87) and center Tyler Biadasz (63) after scoring on an 18-yard touchdown run against the Los Angeles Chargers in the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Dallas traded in silver for white with these alternates, which pay tribute to the team’s special Thanksgiving kits. It’s not a major difference, but it’s a nice enough change of pace for a team that typically sticks to tradition.
13
Denver Broncos: Snowcapped
Oct 8, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Detailed view of the Snow Capped helmet worn by wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. (19) seen in the second half against the New York Jets at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
These will have to do until we get the proper, light blue throwbacks we richly deserve. We’ve also got a white alternate with the team’s current logo, which is fine… just not the vastly superior Orange Crush block D.
12
Los Angeles Chargers: Black lightning
Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports
The Chargers have two variants. The first is a minor touch matching the outline of their lightning bolt to dark blue alternate jerseys. Their blackout kit goes a bit further, with a black bolt outlined in yellow. It’s a step down from the team’s immaculate regular helmets, but still pretty cool.
11
Los Angeles Rams: White horns
September 15, 2019; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp (18) runs the ball as wide receiver Brandin Cooks (12) provides coverage against New Orleans Saints cornerback P.J. Williams (26) during the second half at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
These throwbacks haven’t re-appeared since the team’s 2020 redesign into bone-colored home jerseys and Fruit Roll-up numbers. That’s a shame, because these 1960s/early-1970s throwbacks are a nice, soft change from the team’s typical yellow horns.
10
New York Jets: Legacy Era night flight
via newyorkjets.com
New York has rocked a black alternate the last two seasons. This year, it’ll get a fresh logo as the team returns to its 1970s/1980s “Jets” wordmark. The Sack Exchange logo is a personal favorite, so this gets high marks in ways I can’t fully describe. The back-shadowed “NY” tab above the facemask is a little out of place, however.
9
Cincinnati Bengals: White tiger
Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Logan Wilson (55), center, celebrates an interception in the second quarter during a Week 3 NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and the Cincinnati Bengals, Monday, Sept. 25, 2023, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati.
Cincinnati’s Sigfried and Roy look is only a few years away from outgrowing that joke. At which point, we’ll be able to enjoy these alternate helmets without smirking irony. Which is great, because they’re very good.
8
Minnesota Vikings: Winter Warrior
via vikings.com
Granted, the uniform as a whole looks like a fancy tin of breath mints. But Minnesota’s connections to snow and the color purple, along with the gentle, clean touches on the helmet, make this work.
7
Miami Dolphins: Dolphin in a helmet
Oct 29, 2023; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins safety DeShon Elliott (21) celebrates after bringing down New England Patriots wide receiver DeVante Parker (1) during the second half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
This is a very minimal alternate — one that could be worn even when the league limited teams to one base design. But the old logos are superior to the primary, streamlined dolphin in every way. Look at his little helmet! Wait, why is he wearing a different helmet than the rest of the team? Is this an unaffiliated dolphin?
6
Tennessee Titans: Oilers' derrick
Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis (8) reacts after wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) received a pass for a touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons during the first quarter at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Oct. 29, 2023.
It’s basically a middle finger to the city of Houston, but you can’t deny how sharp these look.
5
Seattle Seahawks: Steve Largent silver
Oct 29, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Cleveland Browns during the second half at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
On their own? These are pretty nice. Pair them with the blue alternate jerseys, however, and you’re looking at magic.
4
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Bucco Bruce
Oct 15, 2023; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) hands off to running back Ke’Shawn Vaughn (21) against the Detroit Lions in the third quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
Hideous and beautiful. Bucco Bruce is the duality of humankind.
3
Philadelphia Eagles: Kelly green
Oct 22, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Josh Sweat (94) reacts to his sack during the fourth quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Beautiful color, perfect throwback. This should be the primary, not the alternate.
2
Atlanta Falcons: Throwback red
Oct 15, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts (8) runs after a catch against the Washington Commanders at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
On it’s own? This is a great helmet. But put it on top of a black jersey with red highlights? Now it’s an icon.
1
New England Patriots: Pat Patriot
Sep 17, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots place kicker Chad Ryland (37) is congratulated after kicking a field goal against the Miami Dolphins in the second quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
A beautiful, goofy logo for a team that largely couldn’t get out of its own way while wearing it. These aren’t a throwback to an era of success; New England only started winning Super Bowls after the flying Elvis arrived. But given the way 2023 turned out, that’s fitting.
