The Best Alternative Helmets Making Their NFL Return in 2022

The no fun football league has finally eased up on some of their strict rules, and confirmed the return of alternative helmets in 2022!

Bringing back alternative helmets opens the door for teams across the league to create new looks, and hopefully bring back some old classics.

In 2013, the NFL took away the option of having alternative helmets due to safety concerns over players alternating helmets during the same season. Due to this rule, teams had trouble matching helmets with their other alternative jerseys, so throwback jerseys were mostly done away with. 

However, now NFL fans can rejoice in the return of some of the most iconic helmets (and jerseys) in sports!

Here, I ranked the top 5 alternative helmets (and the jersey that goes along with it), that are hopefully going to make their triumphant return to the field in 2022.

5. Tennessee Titans – Oilers Helmet 

First up on the list is the Tennessee Titans, previously known as the Houston Oilers.

This helmet is a nod to the franchise’s long history that started in Houston, and the logo on the helmet is definitely one of a kind. 

Standout Titans players like Derrick Henry and A.J Brown have been lobbying for the use of Oilers jerseys for a while, especially after the NFL announced they would be expanding eligible jersey numbers.

And their wish was finally granted.

This helmet/jersey combo is especially unique because no other NFL uses powder blue, and it looks amazing!

Honestly, I prefer the oiler shade of blue than the one the Titans use today.

Seriously, how sick will Henry look when he stiff arms defenders into oblivion in a powder blue Oilers uni!

4. Denver Broncos – Denver “D” Helmet

Next up is the Denver Broncos.

The Broncos have several alternative helmets they can bring back, but I personally hope they bring back the classic Denver “D” helmets.

The Broncos haven’t used these helmets since the 1990s and the John Elway era, and they may bring back tough memories for fans in the Mile High City, as the Broncos went 0-for-4 in the Superbowl wearing these jerseys. 

But, forget the trauma, the royal blue with the orange is sick!

And who knows, maybe Aaron Rodgers will be rocking the blue and orange come 2022…

3. Dallas Cowboys – All white Helmet

Next on the list is the Dallas Cowboys.

The Cowboys classic grey and blue unis are getting old, which is why I hope Jerry Jones brings back the all white helmet for a fresh new look. 

And let’s be be real, Jerry is probably jumping for joy at the idea of marketing a new helmet to fans.

Although I can’t stand the Cowboys, I can respect how fresh the white helmets look paired with the navy blue jerseys. 

I mean, look how clean Romo looks.  

The last time the Cowboys dawned the all white helmet with the navy star was Thanksgiving day 2012, where they lost to RGIII and the then Washington Redskins.

However, with Zeke and Dak returning this season, watching those two get to work in the white helmets would be a treat, and a great way to get some popping photos for the Cowboys Instagram.

2. New England Patriots – Pat the Patriot Helmet 

As a Patriots fan, it was extremely hard not to put these helmets at the top of the list. I myself have a red throwback Gronk jersey, so this helmet and jersey combo has a special place in my heart. 

But, coming in a very close second to the best alternative helmet in the NFL… are the iconic Pat the Patriots helmets.

These jerseys are seriously one of the most memorable jerseys ever worn in the NFL, and in Boston sports history.

I mean just look at them!

The throwback Pat the Patriot helmets debuted in 2009, and were used for a few seasons before the NFL helmet rule change in 2013.

This pairing brings back great memories of Tom Brady tossing the ball to wideouts like Randy Moss and Wes Welker…

Sweet, sweet memories.

But seriously, these jerseys have remained iconic despite not being worn in several years, and hopefully the new look Pats can create new memories in them, no matter who their QB is.

1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Creamsicle Helmets  

Coming in at the top of the list with the best alternative helmets in the NFL is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 

The defending world champions look great in red and black, but let’s be real…

Name a more iconic jersey than the creamsicle Bucs jersey.

No other team in sports has this color scheme or mascot, which makes these jerseys so unique.

Not only is the color amazing, but the pirate on the helmet adds some personality into the jersey as well, which I love.

The Bucs rocked the creamsicle color scheme from 1976 to 1996, until they switched over to red and black and changed the logo on the helmet as well. 

Thankfully, the Bucs COO has already confirmed that the creamsicle jerseys will be returning in 2022 when the new rule goes into effect, and I can’t wait.

Hopefully, Tom Brady will still be under center for the Bucs during the 2022-23 season and be finally rock the iconic creamsicle orange.

I can already imagine the Instagram posts!

Honestly, I think the creamsicles are the best jerseys in NFL history, and I can’t wait to see the defending champs break them out in the 2022-23 season.

-Paige Atkinson (@paigeatkk)