Patrick Mahomes, star quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs, is known for his powerful throwing arm, playmaking ability, and distinctive style on the football field. A key part of his iconic look is his customized Headgear featuring the Chiefs logo and his number 15.
History of Patrick Mahomes’ Helmets
Mahomes has worn a special “Red on Red” Chiefs Headgear since he entered the NFL in 2017. The red headgear and matching red Chiefs logo make for an eye-catching design. He’s always worn number 15 on his headgears since his early playing days.
College and NFL Draft
In college at Texas Tech, Mahomes did not have his current special Chiefs Headgear. He wore a standard black Matte headgear with a red TT logo. Prior to being drafted in 2017, he also wore a plain black NFL Draft Headgear.
Once drafted 10th overall by the Chiefs, Mahomes was able to get a customized Chiefs Headgear reflecting his unique style.
Rookie Year
For his rookie 2017 season, Mahomes wore a red Headgear with glossy decals for the Chiefs logo and his number 15. The front bumper warning label was black.
2018 Onward: Current Helmet
In 2018, Mahomes unveiled his now iconic “Red on Red” helmet. Both the headgear color and Chiefs logo use matching shades of red. His number 15 also stood out in white against the red background. This created a fully coordinated red Headgear perfectly suited for Mahomes.
He has worn this same Chiefs red on red Headgear style ever since the 2018 season. It has become his signature look as one of the top quarterbacks in the NFL.
Table 1 reviews the evolution of Mahomes’ Headgears from college, to NFL Draft, to each season with the Kansas City Chiefs:
| Year | Helmet Style |
|---|---|
| 2015-2016 | Black Texas Tech helmet with red logo |
| 2017 NFL Draft | Plain black NFL Draft Headgear |
| 2017 Rookie Season | Red Headgear, black logo and warning labels |
| 2018-2023 | Signature red on red helmet |
Details of Mahomes’ Current NFL Helmet
Patrick Mahomes and most NFL players have their helmets specially designed and manufactured by Oakley, part of the NFL’s official Headgear provider Riddell. His current Chiefs Headgear features the following details:
Riddell SpeedFlex Precision Diamond Helmet
The base of the Headgear is the Riddell SpeedFlex Precision Diamond model. It incorporates:
- Flex panels on the Headgear sides and top to absorb impacts
- Reinforced panels over the frontal impact zone
- Diamond shape surface pattern for strength and decoration
This provides excellent protection while allowing for Mahomes’ desired aesthetics.
Custom Chiefs Logo Decals
The classic Chiefs arrowhead logo decals on front and back are custom made to precisely match the base red helmet color. This took extensive design, testing and color matching to achieve Mahomes’ red-on-red vision.
Number Decals
Mahomes’ number 15 on the back is white to stand out from the red Headgear background. The front bumper warning label is also white.
Facemask
Mahomes uses the Flex Wire facemask model for maximum visibility on the field. It is coated in FM32 matte finish to minimize reflections.
Helmet Interior
Inside the Headgear, a custom fit pad system provides comfort and protection. Air panels align with ventilation holes on Headgear exterior to optimize air flow.
Chin Strap
An anodized red chin strap with plastic snaps and buckle keeps Mahomes’ Headgear securely in place.
Why Does Mahomes Wear a Red Helmet?
In the NFL, most quarterbacks and kickers use single bar facemasks and avoid dark visors in order to promote maximum visibility. But as a top quarterback, Mahomes has the clout to design his own head protection.
He worked with Oakley to create the signature Chiefs red Headgear in order to:
- Match his bold playing style on the field
- Stand out from other NFL quarterbacks
- Represent Chiefs colors and fan base
- Reinforce his unique public image
The red Headgear is now iconic Mahomes. Chiefs Kingdom fans wear replicas and teammates rally around the color theme that matches their uniforms.
Mahomes is also known for his arsenal of red hats, headbands, shirts, and sneakers. The bold Chiefs red Headgear ties the entire look together.
When Does Mahomes Wear Alternate Helmets?
For most Chiefs games, practices and public appearances, Mahomes wears his namesake red Chiefs Headgear.
But the NFL does allow alternate helmets to be worn a maximum of three times per season. Mahomes takes advantage of this to switch things up with specialty Headgears as follows:
Preseason
In August 2022, Mahomes unveiled a bright yellow Headgear for Chiefs preseason games. This variety Headgear livened up low-stakes contests leading into the regular NFL season.
NFL Throwbacks
For official NFL throwback games honoring past uniforms, Mahomes wears a classic white helmet with red logo decals. The 1965 throwback ensemble also includes a white jersey and white pants echoing the early Chiefs uniforms.
Special Events
Mahomes will occasionally wear unique helmets for special occasions like anniversaries, foundations, charities and awards.
Recent examples include:
- 2022 – Red WWE-inspired helmet for 15th anniversary Chiefs celebration
- 2021 – Red visor Chief helmet honoring the late KC firefighter Tamarris Bohannon
- 2020 – BCA ribbon decal helmet for breast cancer awareness month
No matter the occasion, a red Headgear is always preferred to show off Mahomes’ signature style.
Table 2 summarizes the alternate Headgears worn by Mahomes over his NFL career:
| Year | Alternate Helmet | Worn For… |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | None | Rookie year |
| 2018 | White classic | NFL throwback |
| 2019 | None | Focused on red |
| 2020 | Pink ribbon | Breast cancer awareness |
| 2021 | Red visor | Memorial helmet |
| 2022 | Yellow highlighter | Preseason games |
| 2022 | White WWE-style | 15th anniversary |
What Helmet Will Mahomes Wear in Super Bowl 2023?
As the Chiefs look ahead to Super Bowl LVII in February 2023, fans can expect Mahomes to wear his iconic red Chiefs helmet during the biggest game of the year. Even on the enormous global stage of the Super Bowl seen by over 100 million people, Mahomes will proudly wear his signature red Headgear.
Just as in Super Bowl LIV in 2020 when Mahomes led the Chiefs to victory in his red Headgear for the team’s first title in 50 years, he will aim to repeat history three years later.
The only minor change Chiefs equipment staff may make is upgrading to unused helmets with fresh paint and decals. This ensures the perfect glossy red sheen under the Super Bowl spotlight when every detail is magnified.
So look for Mahomes’ red crashed Headgear with Chiefs logo front and center during the opening coin toss and national anthem ceremonies kicking off Super Bowl LVII from State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
Conclusion
Patrick Mahomes’ bold red Headgear has become an integral part of his identity as one of the top young quarterbacks in pro football. The story behind how Mahomes landed on the distinctive red-on-red He adgeardesign reveals how strategic NFL stars are about crafting their image.
While college players are usually stuck with their team’s standard issued helmets, investing in protective headgear is a priority once stars like Mahomes reach the lucrative pro leagues. NFL contracts worth hundreds of millions allow premium custom Headgears hand engineered for peak safety, comfort and self-expression.
But even among millionaire NFL superstars, Mahomes stands out for his vision insisting on a Headgear that would perfectly complement his daring playing style and perfectly match his red Chiefs jersey. This savvy understanding of public persona at just 27 years old suggests Mahomes is building a unique personal brand for the long haul.
The red Chiefs Headgear capped off by Mahomes’ number 15 will surely be seen in many future Super Bowl appearances and NFL record chasing seasons cementing his legacy. It’s yet another creative touch allowing Mahomes to play and lead the league on his own terms. Whenever you see that red Headgear lined up behind center, it undoubtedly signals the arrival of football’s newest legend pushing the limits of what’s possible on the field.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mahomes’ Helmet
Here are answers to some of the most common questions about Patrick Mahomes’ special Chiefs Headgear:
Who makes Mahomes’ helmet?
Mahomes’ helmet is manufactured through a partnership between helmet-maker Riddell and their official NFL designer Oakley. They engineered his custom red Chiefs Headgear.
How many helmets does Mahomes go through in a season?
Most NFL quarterbacks use around 6 helmets per season. Mahomes likely goes through a similar number of his red Chiefs Headgears during a full season accounting for practice, games, refurbishing, and replacements.
How do helmets get their logos and colors?
NFL helmets receive their logos, numbers, stripes and colors through decals made from a durable high gloss vinyl material specially bonded to the Headgear surface. Mahomes’ matching red decals are precisely color coordinated.
Why doesn’t Mahomes wear a visor?
Despite his flashy persona, Mahomes chooses not to wear a tinted visor in order to maximize visibility. Quarterbacks rely on optimal vision scanning for receivers downfield. But he will wear special event helmets with a visor on rare occasions.
Why is Mahomes allowed to wear a red helmet?
The NFL tightened rules around alternate helmets but allows each team to designate a third unique Headgear to be worn up to three times per season. Mahomes was instrumental in petitioning the Chiefs and NFL to make his red Headgear an officially approved alternate.
What is the Chiefs usual helmet color?
Outside of Mahomes’ special edition helmet, most Chiefs players wear white helmets with a red arrowhead logo outlined in black. Mahomes stands out by matching his Headgear to the Chiefs red jerseys.