2020

History of football helmets

By CarterW2006
  • First football helmet

    First football helmet

    This is recorded as one of the first football helmets ever put into use. It was made by James Naysmith who played for the YMCA Training College. He was also known as the Father of basketball.
  • Next evolution of the football helmet

    Next evolution of the football helmet

    This helmet was recorded to be made by Joseph M. Reeves who was in the United States Naval Academy. He was told if he had one more injury to his head, it would cause instant insanity.
  • Third evolution of football helmet

    Third evolution of football helmet

    This one was developed in 1894 by George Barclay who attended Lafayette College. He had this made by a shoemaker after having many injuries to his ears.
  • Fourth evolution of the football helmet

    Fourth evolution of the football helmet

    This was a design made to protect the head more from injuries.
  • Moving into a new century design

    Moving into a new century design

    This helmet was designed to offer the athlete better coverage and held in place with a strap
  • Transition of design

    Transition of design

    This design was a thicker leather and softer on the inside. It protected the ears better and was a bit more breathable.
  • Evolution continues

    Evolution continues

    A slightly more modified version of the 1920's helmet.
  • Introduction of plastic helmet

    Introduction of plastic helmet

    This was the first year that plastic helmets were introduced. They often broke on first contact and were unsafe.
  • Introduction of the logo

    Introduction of the logo

    This was the year the first logos were designed on the football helmet.
  • Safety bar added

    Safety bar added

    The first safety bar was added to the plastic helmet and designed to protect the face from contact.
  • Change of design

    Change of design

    This was the decade when improved helmets were made. There was more padding, stronger plastic, and a better face mask.
  • First poly carbonate helmet

    First poly carbonate helmet

    This helmet became the new standard in safety of football helmets. The material was stronger and designed to protect the head better against impacts. The padding absorbed more shock.
  • First radio transmitter in helmet

    First radio transmitter in helmet

    This was the year that allowed advanced technology to lead the way. The radio transmitter allowed coaches and quarterbacks to communicate from the sideline and on the feild.
  • Into a new century

    Into a new century

    The evolution of this design produced helmets with better padding for shock absorption. The overall design kept improving for player safety.
  • Continued improvement

    Continued improvement

    Technology in this decade continued to allow for improved design and safety features based on continuing research in the field of football.
  • Latest design of the football helmet

    Latest design of the football helmet

    This is the most modern design of the football helmet. It meets the highest standards for player safety and protection against head injuries. The goal of today's helmet is to decrease the future of long term damage caused by head injuries.