Football Helmet Timeline

First leather football helmet

1901

A "head harness" made of soft leather straps that covered the ears with no face mask, created by James Naismith. First used by the YMCA team from Latrobe, Pennsylvania.

Improved leather helmet (second helmet)

1915

Invented by James Naismith, the helmet is a soft leather flat-top style. Typical of early pro team Canton Bulldogs, YMCA team from Latrobe, Pennsylvania.

Third leather football helmet

1922

Soft leather helmet created by Bob Zuppke, was made with increased padding on the exterior of the helmet. Used by the NFL's Duluth Eskimos.

Fourth leather football helmet

1935

Hard leather style with increased padding and protection. Typically used by the Chicago Bears. Created by John T. Ridell

Fifth leather football helmet

1942

Hard leather, first graphics used on helmets, and used by the Los Angeles Rams. Created by Fred Gehkre.