The use of a second helmet was dropped in 2013 over concerns that wearing more than one helmet might not be safe for players. As those concerns have eased, clubs have lobbied for a second helmet because options for alternate jerseys were expanded in 2018. The new uniforms can be used starting in the 2022 season.
According to a league memo, the second helmet can be worn only with so-called classic, alternate or Color Rush jerseys.
That means some of the best classic NFL uniforms could be back this season. Some teams have begun showing off new helmets and uniforms or letting fans know that their favorite retro combination will be back.
Red alert in Houston
The Houston Texans have been around since 2002. In that time, they've only worn dark blue headgear. That will change this season. The team announced the "Battle Red" helmet to be worn on Nov. 3 against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Pat Patriot is back
The New England Patriots will bring back their red uniforms and white helmets with the classic "Pat Patriot" logo. This was the franchise's first uniform, starting in 1960. It stayed the team's uniform until Bill Parcells' arrival in 1993. With him came the royal blue jerseys and the "Flying Elvis" logo. However, between 1994 and 2013, the Patriots are 9-3 in this uniform.
Saints bet on black
For their new uniforms, the New Orleans Saints are reversing their helmet color scheme. Normally sporting a gold helmet with black decal, New Orleans' new helmet is black. The Saints will wear the helmet with their all-white Color Rush uniforms
Another red lid
The Atlanta Falcons are bringing red helmets back for the team's Week 6 game against the San Francisco 49ers. While the team's original helmet, in 1966, was red, this one is slightly different. It features gold stripes, which the team says is to honor the University of Georgia and Georgia Tech.
The latter consists of three fabric-bodied channels which stay hidden beneath the helmet's detachable outer panels when not in use, but that instantaneously inflate and expand when an accident occurs. They reach a pressure of 60 Kilopascals (8.7 psi), covering the sides and top of the head.
According to Autoliv, the idea is that the airbag will act as the initial energy absorber, with the helmet's underlying foam liner serving as a secondary absorber. This functionality is claimed to not compromise the design, weight or comfort of the helmet – so in other words, it's much like a normal helmet during regular riding.
a pre-study (a small study preceding a planned larger one), the helmet was placed on a crash test dummy's head, which was then dropped from up to 1.8 m (5.9 ft) onto either flat or angled surfaces – this setup simulated different types of impact with the road or other surfaces. The tests reportedly showed that in a 20 km/h (12 mph) impact, the wearer's risk of moderate to fatal head injuries was reduced from 80 percent (if using a regular helmet) to 30 percent.
A POC representative tells us that the next phase of research is about to begin, hopefully resulting in a commercial product sometime in the future. In the meantime, prospective buyers might want to check out the existing Hövding airbag collar – which expands to become a helmet when a fall is detected – along with the airbag-equipped EVOC cycling backpack and Cirrus cycling jacket.
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