NFL Approves Reversal of “One Shell” Helmet Rule, Opens Door For A “Pat Patriot” Uniform Return

Jun 26, 2021 at 4:05 pm ET 1 min read 2.2k views

Photo: David Butler II - USA TODAY Sports

1 min read NFL News

On Thursday the NFL revealed it has approved of a plan in which teams can return to wearing alternate helmets with their throwback uniform sets beginning in 2022.

However, according to NFL PR’s Brian McCarthy, teams must let the league know of their plans for an alternate-color helmet for the 2022 season by July 31 of this year, even though they won’t be used for another year.

Since 2013, the NFL has only allowed for players to use one helmet over concerns it wouldn’t be safe for players to use more than one.

As a result, the New England Patriots have been unable to wear their classic red “Pat Patriot” jerseys since 2012 because their current “Flying Elvis” silver helmets wouldn’t have matched the original throwbacks, which used a white helmet featuring the old “Pat Patriot” logo.

According to the NFL, the new rules include that the primary and alternate helmets must be of the same make, model and size. The alternate helmets must be worn in practice the week of the game they will be used, if not before then.

While it still may be a couple years before we see the classic jerseys return to action on the field, linebacker Kyle Van Noy couldn’t help but share his excitement over Twitter anyway.

Van Noy tweeted out the following photo edit and yes, it looks fire.

https://twitter.com/KVN_03/status/1408420397540855813?s=20

As for this upcoming season, if the Patriots don’t want to wait around another year for the red jerseys to be available, they could always bring back their 1990’s home blues for a game since they both use the silver helmet.

Here’s an idea, maybe bring them back against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 17 to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the 1996 AFC Championship?

Guess we’ll see, stay tuned.