The NFL has been steadily loosening its grip on team uniform design over the past decade, allowing for a more vibrant and diverse range of looks on the gridiron. In 2018, the league expanded its uniform policy, granting teams greater freedom in jersey options. However, safety concerns limited helmets to one design per team, keeping classic threads like the Philadelphia Eagles' kelly green uniforms sidelined due to colour clashes.
Thankfully, in 2022, the NFL finally approved teams wearing two different helmet designs, and this number will increase to three starting in 2025. This season, 13 teams will debut alternate helmets, featuring a mix of creative new designs, all-white models, and classic looks given a modern twist.
We've ranked these new helmet designs, focusing purely on their visual appeal, not the uniforms they will be paired with.
13. New York Giants: Century Red
The Giants are celebrating their 100th season with a new "Century Red" uniform, featuring a winged red and blue helmet reminiscent of their 1937-1947 era, which included their first NFL Championship in 1938. Sadly, this helmet stands out as the best element of what is a rather disastrous "classic" set. It looks better in grainy black and white footage from the 1938 championship.
12. Jacksonville Jaguars: Prowler Throwback
The Jaguars are taking a trip down memory lane this season with their "Prowler" throwback uniforms, based on the original threads worn during their inaugural 1995 campaign. The all-black helmets feature the original Jaguars logo used from 1995-2013. While these throwbacks are sure to be a fan favourite, the helmets, on their own, fall a bit flat in our grading system for being too similar to the team's usual look.
11. New York Jets: Black Alternate
The Jets nailed their uniform rebrand this summer, shedding the outdated look that resembled a high school football team. Their new alternate helmet is a sleek, all-black version of their primary helmet. It's a stylish option, but ultimately lacks the originality to stand out.
10. Green Bay Packers: Winter Warning
As one of the few teams experimenting with an all-white uniform this season, the Packers kept their helmet design minimalistic. A dash of yellow or a colour accent would have added some visual flair. While the "Winter Warning" moniker is cool, the timing of their usage, in October, feels off. The helmet would have been more fitting during a blizzard at Lambeau Field in December.
9. Jacksonville Jaguars: Teal Alternate
For the first time in franchise history, the Jaguars are sporting a helmet featuring a primary colour other than black. The teal helmet is a decent design, but a bolder choice like a teal facemask could have taken it from good to great. At least they haven't resurrected those horrendous two-toned helmets from the 2010s.
8. Denver Broncos: Alternate
The Broncos scored high marks for their helmets debuting earlier this year, and this one continues their winning streak. Bonus points are awarded for the subtle inclusion of "5,280" representing the city's elevation, a nice touch.
7. Detroit Lions: Honolulu Blue
Lions coach Dan Campbell, known for his enthusiastic approach, requested the return of the black uniforms he wore as a player in 2006-2007. His request was granted, along with a flashy new blue helmet, after the Lions, under Campbell's leadership, won the NFC North last season. There's no denying the beauty of the Lions' Honolulu blue colour.
6. New York Jets: Classic Throwback
The Jets are embracing their classic look with a throwback helmet, though it's a bit early for 2018 jerseys to be considered "throwback". Fortunately, this is a stunning helmet. A twist on the classic design, a grey facemask replaces the green, drawing inspiration from the Super Bowl champion 1968 Jets, a fitting homage to Joe Namath and his era.
5. Baltimore Ravens: Purple Rising
Baltimore took a bold step with their "Purple Rising" helmet, and it definitely pays off. The intimidating red eyes from the Ravens' alternate logo, usually seen at the team's entrance tunnel, now grace Lamar Jackson's helmet as he dashes for the end zone.
4. Minnesota Vikings: White Alternate
Of all the teams sporting new all-white helmets, the Vikings stand out. Metallic grey accents on the facemask and horns add a subtle yet impactful touch.
3. Houston Texans: Battle Red
The Texans are going through a rebrand, unveiling a new set of uniforms, including two new helmets. The "Battle Red" helmet features bull horns on each side, following the successful formula of teams like the Rams and Vikings. The vibrant red colour will undoubtedly look striking on the field.
2. Houston Texans: Alternate
The Texans' second new helmet is a departure from the traditional look, featuring a new "H" on the side. While the "H" may take some getting used to, these helmets are sure to look impressive on the field.
1. Denver Broncos: "D" Logo
Denver's "D" logo helmet doesn't just top our list; it might be the greatest helmet in football history. The iconic logo, the blue and orange colour scheme, and the clean white facemask are a perfect combination.
The NFL's embrace of alternate helmets has breathed new life into the league's visual identity. With these new designs, fans can look forward to seeing their favourite teams sporting fresh, exciting looks on the field. It's clear that the league is embracing creativity and pushing the boundaries of what a football uniform can be.