Start here for the gear you need and advice from our experts
Football helmets are an essential piece of equipment on the gridiron. The right helmet offers a blend of protection and playability. All football helmets at DICK'S Sporting Goods meet the standards of National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOSCAE).
Remember that football is a contact and collision sport. No helmet can completely protect an athlete from injury.
ANATOMY
The outer component of a football helmet is the hard shell. Designed by manufacturers as the first level of protection from contact.
Ventilation throughout the shell increases airflow, keeping you comfortable as the game heats up.
Some models are designed with an air system. This assists in tightening the helmet pads to your head's shape for optimum fit.
The shell's construction features either of the following materials:
The interior padding of the football helmet has a major impact on the overall protection level.
Two different types of padding can provide cushion within the shell. Padding is either pre-sized or inflatable.
Padding is typically made of the following materials:
There are several helmet accessories to consider.
Football Chin Straps attach directly to your helmet. They are available in either hard or soft materials. Chin straps help provide a secure fit. Keeping your football helmet in place helps improve your field of vision on gameday.
Football Mouthguards can help protect your mouth and teeth. You will find football mouthguards in a variety of colors and designs to help get your game face ready.
Football Visors and Football Eye Shields fit in your facemask and don't obstruct your vision. These are not required but can help provide extra eye protection. Check with your coach and league to make sure you can wear football visors or eye shields during a game.
FACEMASKS
Facemasks either come as part of a football helmet or can be purchased separately. Always make sure the football facemask you buy is compatible with your helmet.
Some brands offer football helmets with a quick-release facemask feature. This allows for access to a player during an injury situation.
The construction of the football facemask can feature a variety of materials. You want your facemask to be lightweight.
There are a variety of facemask types that are typically used for different player positions. Consider the different facemask designs available.
Oral protection only (OPO) provides a clearer field of vision as the facemask only covers the player’s mouth and jaw. This type of facemask is often used by quarterbacks, kickers, defensive backs and wide receivers.
Jaw and oral protection (JOP) provides additional protection for player positions that involve some blocking and hitting, such as running backs and tight ends.
Nose and oral protection (NOPO) can help players have a clearer field of vision while providing additional protection over the player’s nose. This is a good option for both receivers and running backs.
Nose, jaw and oral protection (NJOP) helps provide protection for positions that involve constant or regular contact. This is a good choice for linemen battling in the trenches.
Eyeglasses and oral protection (EGOP) can also be a good choice for players who experience regular contact and collisions. This includes linemen and linebackers.
FITTING/SIZING
Having the right football helmet size and fit is critical for every person.
Remember: Manufacturers recommend youth football helmets for players younger than 14 years old and adult helmets for players 14 years old and older.
Follow this simple guide to determine your proper measurement.
Once you have your helmet, you need to make sure that it fits correctly when you put it on. Put on your helmet and adjust the chin straps so it fits snugly and comfortably. If you have inflatable helmet pads, pump air into the designated areas. You will pump air until the helmet feels snug both front to back and side to side.
You have two ways to test the fit of your helmet:
Never wear a football helmet that is an improper fit, cracked or appears to be compromised.
