Is It Time for a New Steelers Helmet Design?

Story by Yinzer Crazy Contributor Anthony DiCerbo. Follow him on Twitter @SnarfVenom

In 2013, the NFL established a new rule that made it so teams could only use one helmet during the season. The rule was put in place with the goal of improving player safety, and players would then only play and practice in one helmet.

A year ago teams were informed that the rule was being scrapped, and as long as the helmet was the same model as the one that the player usually plays in, alternate helmets were once again going to be allowed. 

Now teams are starting to unveil their plans for throwbacks and other alternate uniforms utilizing the new relaxed rule. That leads us to the question, is it time for the Steelers to add a new helmet to their repertoire?

Other teams were quick to go back to other looks or add new ones for this season. The Patriots announced that the classic red and white throwback uniforms will be back this season, complete with the white helmet with the Patriot on it. 

The Falcons showcased the return of their red helmets that they originally wore from their inception until the 90s.

Although they won’t be seen this season, the Buccaneers announced that the “creamsicle” uniforms will be making a comeback at some point in the 2023 season. 

The Saints, who have played with basically the same helmet since they became a franchise, used the rule to announce a brand new “blackout” helmet that they will wear this season.

Some other looks that might make a comeback in the near future could be the return of the “kelly green” Eagles, the royal blue Broncos, the gray Seahawks look, and maybe even an Oilers throwback for the Titans. 

Before the rule was established in 2013, the Steelers used an alternate helmet with their throwback looks, opting for the yellow helmet for their 75th-anniversary throwbacks.

After that look, the Steelers went for the infamous “bumblebee” uniforms, and after those, the Steelers moved on to the current throwbacks, which opt for the block numbers from the 70s. Both of those uniforms have had to deal with the rule from the NFL, so they both used the normal Steelers helmet. 

If they were looking for simplicity, the Steelers could choose to stay with the current throwbacks and make a small change on the helmets. For a more authentic look, the helmets could be equipped with a gray facemask to go all-in on the look from the 70s. 

The yellow helmets could also be brought back if the Steelers wanted to go back to that era of throwbacks. 

Or the Steelers could opt to follow in the footsteps of the Saints and design something completely new. Popular concepts through the years showcase the three hypocycloids on the helmet without the signature Steelers circle logo accompanying them. 

On a podcast appearance, Benny Snell designed a concept for a Steelers uniform that used yellow helmets and had a focus on the bridges of Pittsburgh.