Notes: NFL bringing back alternate helmets in 2022

Alternate helmets are back, baby.

The NFL announced Thursday that teams will be allowed to wear two different helmets starting in 2022.

According to the memo sent to the clubs, the NFL had previously limited teams to one helmet for safety reasons. But they recently reviewed their restrictions.

“League staff conducted a comprehensive review of our uniform policy, with the goal of increasing overall club flexibility regarding helmet shell colors, while maintaining the highest level of player health and safety,” the memo states.

It goes on to detail that the alternate color helmet must only be worn together with one of the club’s authorized optional uniforms (classic, alternate, and/or color rush.)

“If the alternate color helmet is paired with a Classic uniform, the alternate color helmet colors and designs must be historically accurate (consistent with the historically accurate uniform. If the alternate color helmet is paired with an Alternate or Color Rush uniform, it must use a logo from some pointing the club’s history, but the shell/facemask/logo may be colorized according to the club’s existing logo guidelines,” the memo states.

Here are the parameters:

• Clubs must obtain an entire new set of alternate color helmets for all players
• Alternate color helmets must be the same make, model and size as the applicable player’s primary helmet
• Alternate color helmets must be made available to all players at the start of training camp and should be fit at the same time as the primary helmet
• Alternate color helmets must be worn in practice at a minimum during the week leading up to the game in which they will be used

Clubs must inform the league office whether they plan to use an alternate helmet in 2022 no later than July 31, 2021. That means we’ll probably know this year which teams plan to use them.

Whatcha think?

And onto the rest of your notes.

• The Lions have finalized their new-look front office, which included creating two positions to fully round out the team. Lions Wire’s Jeff Risdon has that story.

• The fellas at The Athletic are digging into players’ college tape. This round involves Lions receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and just what drew the Lions to him. (Subscription required.)

• You could be a part of the game day experience at Ford Field.

• The Lions are among 12 teams that have yet to win a Super Bowl. Of those 12, NFL.com’s Adam Schein ranks the top nine to get themselves a ring. No, the Lions aren’t on the list. But I offer this article anyway if you want to read why these nine teams were selected over the Lions.

• Detroit Free Press’s Dave Birkett takes a shot at a way-too-early 53-man roster. (Subscription required.)

• Also from the Freep, Carlos Monarrez offers some thoughts on Matthew Stafford’s situation. He argues that while all you’re seeing is the hype across media these days, Stafford has never been under this much pressure. (Subscription required.)