NFL Will Allow Alternate Helmets Starting in 2022

Cale Berger |

Updated: Jun 25, 2021

Hines Ward at the Pittsburgh Steelers 2007 home opener. The Steelers beat the Bills 26-3. This was the 500th win for the Steelers, who wore the 75th year "Throwback" uniforms. -- SteelCityHobbies | CC-BY 2.0

Alternate helmets are making their long awaited return to the NFL.

In a memo sent to clubs Thursday, the league informed teams they will be permitted to incorporate alternate helmets as soon as the 2022 season.

Secondary helmets will be permitted to be worn along with alternate, throwback or Color Rush uniforms. If paired with a throwback uniform, the league specified that they must be historically accurate to accompany the jersey ensemble.

The league had done away with alternate helmets back in 2018 in an attempt to combat head injuries and ensure player safety.

With the change, teams will be required to fit players for their alternate helmets alongside their primary ones during training camp to ensure they are an identical match.

Clubs have until July 31, 2021 to inform the league of their intent to implement an alternate helmet into their uniform set.