Lincoln Riley reveals why USC players must now earn helmet decal

As Lincoln Riley and his staff prepare to start a new era at USC this season, they are building from the ground up with a roster full of new faces. Part of the process which the Trojans feel is most important in the rebuild comes by reflecting on the past success of the program and carrying that into the future.

During a spring practice press conference, Lincoln Riley discussed a new initiative where USC players must earn the gold Trojan logo on their cardinal helmet.

“We’ve started this – we call it gold-plated – obviously everyone knows the iconic decal on the side of our helmet, the USC Trojans helmet,” said Riley. “We felt like this is one of the most iconic programs. It’s one of the most iconic jerseys, helmets, uniform combo that there is. And we felt like that decal should be earned, not just given because you have a spot on the roster. So we’ve laid out a process that’s all encompassing – habits off the field, habits on the field, competitive nature, putting the team first, being accountable, being reliable. Something we spend a lot of time talking about as a staff, guys are able to nominate players. If the staff agrees then we honor those guys.

“And we’ve been able to honor them several times with – what’s been pretty cool – is some of our former great players that have been able to come back and award those to guys, which is pretty cool. Basically, the players start with just the cardinal helmet, they’ve got to earn the logo. … It’s something that our guys have to learn the history of this place, the history of this program, how special it is to play here, how special it is to coach here. It’s earned, not given.”

Lincoln Riley on accountability

In addition to creating a new culture by making players earn the USC Trojans logo on their helmet, Lincoln Riley is working to create accountability from everyone this spring. He spoke about achieving that goal in detail.

“I think the simplest way to put it is we just believe in championship teams and playing football championship level of ball involves being at that level and every single thing that you do,” Riley said. “You can’t pick and choose like as a player as a coach like which things you think matter because in reality, they all matter. I mean, this game’s so competitive, the margins are that thin and so we just we approach everything the same.”