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NFL revises uniform policy to allow teams third helmet design

Brian Jones Profile Picby:Brian Jones•04/10/24•

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Commanders Helmet
Nov 27, 2022; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders helmet with Sean Taylor memorial #21 sticker before the game against the Atlanta Falcons at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

The NFL is revising its uniform policy, allowing teams to have a third helmet. All 32 teams received a memo from the league on Wednesday that says teams going through a re-design process for the 2024 season have been offered a third helmet option. It will be available for all teams in 2025.

If a team wants to use a third helmet for the 2025 season, they have to inform the league no later than May 1, 2024. The second and third helmets can only be worn with the team’s authorized optimal uniforms (classic, alternate and/or color rush).

“If either alternate color helmet is paired with a Classic uniform, the helmet colors and designs must be historically compatible,” the memo states, via Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network.

The memo also states that teams must obtain a new set of alternate color helmets for all players. The helmets must be the same make, model and size as the applicable player’s primary helmet. When training camp begins, the alternate color helmets must be made available to all players, and they need to be worn in practice at a minimum during the week leading up to the game in which they will be used.

In 2021, the NFL approved a change in the uniform policy, allowing alternate helmets for the 2022 season. 13 teams wore alternate helmets in 2022, and more teams added alternate looks last year.

New for the NFL in 2024

New helmets won’t be the only change for the 2024 NFL season. On Wednesday, the league announced the Green Bay Packers will face the Philadelphia Eagles in Brazil on Friday, Sept. 6.

“We’re looking forward to being a part of this historic matchup against the Eagles in São Paulo,” Packers President/CEO Mark Murphy said in a statement. “We’re excited to play in front of our devoted fans in Brazil and help build upon the international popularity of the NFL and the Packers. We had a great experience playing internationally for the first time a couple of years ago and we’re proud to be part of the league’s continued global growth.” 

The NFL is also introducing a new kickoff rule that will hopefully lead to more returns. At the NFL Owners Meetings, league commissioner Roger Goodell said (per CBS Sports), “I think it will be a big improvement. I think it will bring the play back into an important play, a relevant play, an exciting play. And the injury rate ultimately will drop.”