For the longest time, the NFL had a one helmet rule. Born out of safety concerns, the NFL limited teams to just one helmet look. Alternate jerseys were permitted but it had to be with the same helmet, limiting some teams to what they could do. The Bucs creamsicle uniforms would not look great with their modern helmets. This ends in 2022. The NFL announced that they would let teams have alternative helmets as well. With the season coming up, let’s look at the top 5 alternate helmets that we will see in 2022.
#5: Atlanta Falcons Red Helmet
These helmets pay homage to the 1960s era of the falcons when red a was more prominent color for the team. Red becomes the main color of the helmet paired with a gray facemask and the throwback Falcons logo on the sides. When the helmet was first introduced, it was meant to represent the rival schools of Georgia and Georgia Tech. The jerseys worn with the helmet will feature less red. The red will outline the white numbers set against a black jersey. This one feels like a fun mash up of the past and the present that should be fun for fans. The Falcons will wear these during their Week 6 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers.
#4: New England Patriots Throwback
Keeping on the red theme is the New England Patriots throwback jerseys. The last time we saw these uniforms was 1990 but they will make a comeback in the 2022 season. Pat Patriot will grace the sides of the helmet and red, white and blue stripes will be on the shoulder pads and the socks. An all red jersey will be a huge contrast from the navy blue the Patriots normally wear. The throwback to the past is really fun and engages fans of all ages. It is unclear when the Patriots will wear them but we will definitely see them in the 2022 season.
#3: Philadelphia Eagles Kelly Green
This one is a little bit of a cop out as they will have to wait until 2023 to make an official debut. The Eagles will have an alternative black helmet they will wear before the Kelly Green comes back in 2023. The black helmet looks really chic and will pair well with the black jerseys. The Kelly Green is a classic look that I for one am excited to come back. Similar to the Falcons and Patriots, I love when teams bring back the classics with a touch of the modern. With the team having high hopes for the next couple of seasons, it will be great to see the team grace these jerseys again.
#2: New Orleans Saints Black Helmet
The Saints are a team that has kept the white Color Rush jersey from 2016 and brought it out. Thanks to the new helmet rule, they have a new helmet to go with it. The logo and the helmet switch colors so a majority of the helmet is black instead of the normal old gold. But they didn’t stop there. Across the middle of the helmet, there is a strip that has mini logos in it. It is a nice touch to the helmets and adds something a little more than just swapping the colors. With the white Color Rush jerseys the black helmet stands out even more. The Saints have not announced what games they will be using these.
#1: Houston Texans Battle Red Helmet
The Battle Red jerseys are nothing new for the Houston Texans but the new helmet rule allows them to add something more to the look. On July 12th the Texans unveiled their new Battle Red helmet that they will wear for their Thursday night game against the Eagles on November 3rd. This is a great addition to the already cool Battle Red jersey (apparently I really like red jerseys). While the Texans may lose to the Eagles on November 3rd, you can bet they will look good doing it.
Honorable Mention: The Bills April Fools Joke
If the subheading wasn’t already clear, this is absolutely an April Fools Joke and will not be worn by the Bills. The Bills unveiled a city inspired jersey on April Fools Day based around the chicken wing. All black with orange numbers definitely would be different for Bills fans but the awesome part was the logo. The regular Bills logo became a chicken wing with a ranch stripe going across it. While I know this was a joke, I want this to be a thing! And more teams should get in on this! A Packers logo that looks like it’s made of cheese? Yes please! Two Philly cheesesteaks coming out of the front of the Eagles helmet? Amazing! The possibilities are endless.
Alternate jerseys are great. Alternate helmets make them even better. 2022 will be a great year for new alternate helmets. Different jerseys and helmets make it more fun for fans and for players. I am excited to see these alternate helmets debut in 2022 and what teams come up with for 2023 and beyond.
