NFL Announces Return of Alternate-Color Helmets

Announced on Thursday in a league-wide memo, the NFL will be bringing back alternate-color helmets as an option for teams to use by the start of the 2022-2023 season.

NFL approved alternate helmets today for teams wearing throwback uniforms starting in 2022, per league sources. This opens the door to the defending world-champion Bucs wearing the old white helmets with the orange swashbuckling Buccaneer as early as 2022.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 24, 2021

The new decision will not be granted in the upcoming season, but gives teams plenty of time to dig through the vault and uncover some intriguing throwback designs for 2022 and onward.

Via Bleacher Report, ”ruling included in the NFL’s memo states that, all 32 teams will be able to pair a second helmet with their alternate, throwback or Color Rush uniforms.”

Previous guidelines surrounding the importance of using a sole helmet type were based on concerns over players’ safety in the midst of ongoing head injuries and their relation to CTE. The new ruling will ensure that both the primary and alternate helmets are approved and fitted according to the NFL’s safety standards by time of training camps.

The news has already received a positive response, especially among NFL fans eager to see their team’s throwback helmets on display over some pretty underwhelming designs in the modern league. Look no further than the Cincinnati Bengals or Washington Football Team.

Alternate-color helmets are BACK!! 🔥🙌 pic.twitter.com/lW9hK6DcBO

— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) June 24, 2021

Some favorites from the throwback NFL catalog include the Miami Dolphins, Atlanta Falcons, Dallas Cowboys, New York Jets and the infamous Captain Fear on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers helmet.