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History of the Football Helmet
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First ever Football helmet
A football leather helmet was first created by an Annapolis, Maryland shoemaker. It was first game it was worn in was the annual Army vs Navy game. Players were starting to get brain injurys so they went to doctors to figure out a way to help them out. -
Helmet strap is created
Football helmets continued to be made of lether until about the 1940's. They were always optional to wear up until 1930. In 1915 the first strap was made to put on the bottom of helmets so they would stay on during contact. The straps went around your neck instead of around your chin like we wear today. -
Continues progress of the Helmet
Padding was starting to be inserted in the helmets to absorb the contact better. They also made progress in ventalition by putting holes by the ears for better venalation and better communication. They were called the Zuppke Helmets. -
First Facemask
The first face mask was a rubber wire mask created by Vern McMillan. This invention was to help protect the faces of players. -
Plastic Helmet
The first plastic helmet was created in 1940 by John Riddell and his son. The plastic model was stronger, lighter, and lasted longer because it didnt rot away like the leather did. They also created a chin strap that rested on the chin instead of on the neck. -
First Logo
The first logo to ever be put on a helmet was done by Fred Gehrke, a running back for the Los Angeles Rams. -
Radio Communication
In 1956, Paul Brown, the head coach of the Clevland Browns created a BT-5 single wave radio that was instralled in a quarterbacks helmet so a coach could communicate plays with him. It was way before its time so it often times didnt work. -
Air Valves in Helmets
A chairman working at Riddell, created the HA-91 and the HA-92 energy absorbing,microfit helmets. These helmets had valves in it so a coach or player could pump air or somtimes fluids into the pads inside a players helmet. -
4 Strap chin strap
In 1976 football created the 4 strap chin strap instead of the single strap. This was 4 straps connected to the pad for under the chin. It was very safe and never let the helmet move. -
Polycarbonate helmets
The Polycarbonate helmets were created as a lighter product than just regular plastic and prevented injures better than before. -
Revo
Nothing changed in the advancments of helmets for a number of years unitl in 2002 when Riddell released their Revo helmets. They had newer advancments in the padding inside the helmets. The helmet also had better breathing holes on the outside of the helmet. -
Revo Speed
Starting in2009, Riddell came out with their revo speed. We still use those today. However many advancements have been made as they continue to be made. Today there are mulitple places in a helmet where you are able to pump air into the pads. Also face masks also are different depending on the postion you play. -
The newest advancement in Helmet Technology
In 2013 Riddell created a helmet that has an area on the top point of a helmet where a lot of hits occur. When that area is contacted it disppers the pressure of the hit throughout the helmet instead of just one point. It is really suppose to help reduce concussions.
