The NFL, or the ‘No Fun League’, may need to be careful; otherwise, it may lose its title and become called the National Football League again. First, the league announced new kickoff rules that will greatly improve the game’s safety and entertainment. Now, they are announcing that teams will be allowed to add a third helmet to their uniform, a rule adjusted to two designs just a few years ago.
NFL’s Alternative Helmet Has Been Very Popular
Ahead of the 2022 season, the NFL announced that teams would be allowed to have a second helmet design. This change had been requested for years but not allowed since 2014, when the league said teams had to use the same helmet but were allowed to have a color rush uniform.
Since 2022, nearly every team has utilized a second helmet design. Some teams have gone with a color rush style (Seattle Seahawks, New Orleans Saints), others with a throwback style (New England Patriots, Philadelphia Eagles), and some with a totally new design (Washington Commanders, Arizona Cardinals). A few teams, including the Minnesota Vikings, have decided not to get a new design to this point, instead sticking with tradition.
Which alternate or throwback helmet are you most excited to see this season? 👀 pic.twitter.com/u3FAJ24Lta
— NFL (@NFL) July 25, 2022
NFL To Allow a Third Design in 2024, 2025
With the recent success (and huge revenue sales), the NFL has decided to allow a third helmet design for teams starting in 2025 for everyone and 2024 if a team already was re-designing their uniform. The only rules regarding the new helmets are that they must be worn in practice for the entire week leading up to the game and that if they are used for a color rush, “the helmet colors and designs must be historically compatible.
No team has indicated whether they plan on using a third design; however, given the recent success that they’ve had, particularly in generating more sales and revenue, most teams will likely opt-in to this option.
Teams have until May 1st to submit their proposal to be eligible for the 2025 season.