Patrick Mahomes, quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs, is known for his unique helmet style where the helmet sits higher on his head compared to other players. Mahomes’ helmet has become an iconic part of his look and has left many fans wondering – why does Mahomes’ helmet sit so high?
There are a few reasons why Mahomes wears his helmet higher up:
His Hair
One of the main reasons is Mahomes’ hair. He has a large volume of curly hair that he needs to fit underneath his helmet. Wearing the helmet higher gives his hair more room.
Comfort
Mahomes says the higher helmet fit feels more comfortable and natural for him. Since quarterbacks need to constantly be looking around the field, having the helmet sit higher gives Mahomes a better range of motion to see over the linemen.
Vision
The higher placement enables Mahomes to see the field and receivers more clearly. With the helmet raised, he has a better line of sight over charging defensive linemen. This extra vision is invaluable for a quarterback.
Throwing Motion
Some experts speculate that the helmet tilt aids Mahomes’ throwing motion. The higher angle may help him get more power and leverage on his throws, adding velocity to his famously strong arm.
So in summary, Mahomes’ unusual helmet fit is likely due to his hair volume, comfort, vision, and throwing motion. It works for him, so Mahomes has made the tilted helmet his signature style.
When Did Mahomes Start Wearing His Helmet So High?
Mahomes has been wearing his helmet at a higher angle since college. Photographs from his playing days at Texas Tech show the quarterback already experimenting with the distinctive tilted helmet fit.
However, Mahomes really became known for the look after he was drafted to the Chiefs in 2017. His helmet sits at a noticeably steeper angle compared to Chiefs starters Alex Smith and Chad Henne.
In his first season as a starter in 2018, Mahomes’ playing style and talent lit up the league. His success drew more attention to his unique helmet, making it one of his trademarks.
The higher helmet angle is now a defining part of Mahomes’ athletic brand and look. What started as an experiment in college to help his vision and comfort has become an iconic part of his persona.
Mahomes’ Helmet Evolution
| Year | Team | Helmet Tilt Observations |
|---|---|---|
| 2014-2016 | Texas Tech | Helmet tilted higher vs teammates |
| 2017-present | Kansas City Chiefs | Helmet sits very high and steeply tilted |
As Mahomes continues his young but meteoric NFL career, expect the helmet to remain an integral, and highly visible, part of his equipment.
What Type of Helmet Does Mahomes Use?
Mahomes wears a Vicis Zero1 helmet. Vicis is one of the newer helmet manufacturers aiming to enhance NFL player safety.
The Zero1 has a flexible outer shell and layers of foam that work to absorb impact. This helps reduce the force from routine hits to the head during games and practices.
Key Features of the Vicis Zero1:
- Flexible Shell: The exterior shell “gives” on impact to redirect force
- Columnar Layering System: Multiple layers of varying stiffness absorb force
- Deformable Outershell: The soft shell allows the helmet to flex before snapping back into place
- Reduced Helmet Weight: Lighter than traditional helmets while maintaining protection
The innovative Vicis Zero1 ranked first for safety in NFL/NFLPA helmet testing for three consecutive years. Over 150 NFL players now wear the Vicis, including Mahomes, Tom Brady, and Aaron Rodgers.
Mahomes first switched to the Vicis Zero1 prior to his first season starting for the Chiefs. He continues to wear the high-tech helmet paired with his signature tilted fit.
How Do Equipment Managers Prepare Mahomes’ Helmet?
NFL quarterbacks require extensive preparation and customization for their helmets each game. For Mahomes, equipment staff take special measures to set up his helmet given the unique fit.
Helmet Preparation Steps for Mahomes:
- Fitting: Equipment staff size Mahomes’ head and customize the interior padding to precisely fit.
- Tilt Check: Staff test the helmet’s tilt and ensure it sits securely at Mahomes’ preferred angle.
- Chinstrap Adjustment: The chinstrap may require adjustments so it fastens properly.
- Visor Attachment: Mahomes’ tinted visor is clipped into place if needed.
- Communication Setup: Helmet electronics like the coach-to-player radio are calibrated.
- Decals: Any decals or graphics are added to the exterior shell.
- Final Check: Equipment managers do a final inspection before the game to validate fit.
It takes equipment staff significant time and attention to detail to get Mahomes ready for the field. But the extra effort is well worth it to make the NFL MVP comfortable and protected.
What Do Football Experts Say About Mahomes’ Helmet?
Mahomes’ distinctively tilted helmet has become a topic of discussion among football equipment experts and NFL analysts. Here is what some are saying:
- “It works for him, and that’s all that matters.” – Vicis CEO Dave Marver, on Mahomes continuing to wear his helmet tilted high.
- “That may be the optimal way that he needs to wear it.” – Jeff Miller, NFL Executive Vice President of Health and Safety, on Mahomes’ unconventional fit.
- “It sits on the crown of his head, but as long as it protects him, that’s first and foremost.” – Kansas City assistant equipment manager Allen Wright.
- “As long as the chinstrap and the space between the crown of the head and the inside of the helmet is spaced properly, it’s safe.” – Dr. Thom Mayer, Medical Director of the NFLPA.
The consensus among experts seems to be that Mahomes’ setup is safe, as long as the chinstrap and internal padding keep the helmet secure. While the tilt is unusual, Mahomes’ protection remains the top priority.
Does Mahomes’ Helmet Meet Safety Standards?
Despite the unique tilted fit, Mahomes’ Vicis Zero1 helmet meets all NFL safety regulations. The key factors in maintaining safety are:
- Proper Internal Padding: Mahomes’ helmet is fitted with customized padding that positions his head appropriately.
- Chin Strap Tightness: The chinstrap keeps the helmet in place, limiting motion when Mahomes moves.
- Helmet Weight: At 1.2 kilograms, the Vicis Zero1 is significantly lighter than old school helmets.
- Flex and Impact Absorption: The helmet’s multilayer columns and flexible shell absorb force on hits.
- NFL/NFLPA Testing: The Zero1 ranks high in independent lab tests for helmet protection.
As long as Mahomes passes inspection before each game, and no issues arise, his helmet is deemed safe to wear. While the NFL continues to innovate and enhance safety, Mahomes’ helmet tilt does not appear to compromise protection.
Conclusion
In summary, Patrick Mahomes’ uniquely tilted helmet setup has become an integral and iconic part of his football profile. The unconventional fit originated as an experimental way for Mahomes to optimize comfort, vision and range of motion. While initially drawing curiosity, the tilted helmet enhanced Mahomes’ success, cementing it as his signature style.
Experts confirm Mahomes’ helmet meets all NFL safety regulations. His equipment preferences have even influenced innovations like Vicis’ more adjustable Zero2 helmet. As Mahomes enters the peak of his career, his helmet tilt symbolizes the creativity and edge he brings that thrills fans. However, no matter how his equipment evolves, Mahomes will remain focused on what matters most – delivering record-breaking dominant play that transforms the game itself.
5 FAQs about Mahomes’ Helmet
Here are answers to 5 frequently asked questions about Patrick Mahomes’ helmet:
1. Why does Mahomes wear his helmet tilted so high?
Mahomes says the tilted fit provides better comfort, vision and range of motion for throwing. The angle also gives more room for his voluminous hair.
2. Is Mahomes’ helmet tilt legal in the NFL?
Yes, there are no rules against how a player wears their helmet, as long as it’s a certified model and deemed safe by officials. Mahomes’ equipment passes inspection each game.
3. Does Mahomes secure his chinstrap differently?
No, his chinstrap is the same as other players. However, equipment staff may adjust it to account for his helmet tilt. Proper tightness ensures safety.
4. Has Mahomes ever had a concussion in the NFL?
Mahomes suffered a concussion in the 2019 season opener against the Jaguars. However, it was not related to his helmet – he took a hit directly to the head.
5. Could Mahomes’ helmet tilt affect his tackle safety?
Some experts initially feared that the exposing his face more could lead to more facial injuries when tackled. But so far, his unconventional helmet tilt does not appear to have increased injury risk.
While his helmet angle is unorthodox, the key factors are that Mahomes’ helmet model meets all safety standards and is properly fitted for his comfort. As long as those criteria are met, the NFL’s premiere quarterback can continue setting trends with his iconic tilted look.
How Has Mahomes’ Helmet Tilt Impacted NFL Equipment Trends?
As one of the most prominent young superstars in the NFL, Patrick Mahomes’ stylistic choices inevitably influence league-wide trends. His signature tilted helmet fit has already made an impact on equipment norms across the NFL.
More Flexibility with Fit
Traditionally, NFL teams insisted on players wearing helmets in a standardized, approved manner. But Mahomes’ success with the tilted fit has caused equipment managers to be more flexible with players adjusting helmets to their comfort and preference.
As long as the equipment passes safety checks, teams are now more open to quarterbacks experimenting to find their optimal vision and throwing alignment. Expect more QBs adopting tweaked helmet angles.
Increased Vicis Zero1 Adoption
Mahomes’ early advocacy for the Vicis Zero1 helped popularize the helmet. Vicis saw a surge in NFL players switching to their helmet after Mahomes won MVP in 2018 wearing it tilted high.
The Vicis is now the second most popular helmet model league-wide behind the legacy Riddell SpeedFlex. Over 150 NFL players now wear the Zero1, highlighting the influencer power star athletes like Mahomes wield.
Inspiring Creativity in Helmet Design
The acceptance of Mahomes’ tilted helmet has fueled creativity in helmet engineering. Rather than one-size-fits-all models, brands like Vicis now better incorporate adjustability and comfort into helmet design.
For example, the Zero2 released in 2021 added a ratchet system to adjust fit. This innovation was likely inspired by high-profile players like Mahomes pioneering more personalized helmets.
Chinstrap and Facemask Advancements
With helmets sitting at more extreme angles, chinstrap and facemask comfort has become a focus area. Vicis and other brands now engineer these components to account for players wearing helmets tilted in various directions.
As players explore fit, helmets must evolve. Mahomes’ influence will continue driving innovation.
What Are the Most Iconic Helmets in NFL History?
Although Patrick Mahomes’ tilted Vicis Zero1 is instantly recognizable today, many legendary NFL players have also defined signature looks through their helmets. Here are some of the most iconic helmets from NFL history:
1. Joe Namath, New York Jets
“Broadway Joe” brought glamour to the game with his sleek green lid and white facemask as the AFL Jets won Super Bowl III. The stylish look matched Namath’s confidence and swagger.
2. Deion Sanders, Dallas Cowboys
Prime Time took style to new heights with his do-rag and then bandana visible flowing out the back of his Cowboys helmet. The look perfectly encapsulated Sanders’ flashy persona.
3. Brian Urlacher, Chicago Bears
The intimidating middle linebacker made the Bears’ throwback helmet with the white C logo famous in the early 2000s. Opponents saw that C bearing down before Urlacher delivered crushing hits.
4. Ken Stabler, Oakland Raiders
The Raiders’ renegade QB made the silver and black helmet an outlaw icon during the 1970s. Stabler’s messy dark hair flowing out the back remains iconic.
5. Troy Polamalu, Pittsburgh Steelers
Polamalu’s flying locks out the back of his Steelers helmet made him instantly identifiable. Fans could spot his flowing hair as he closed in for punishing tackles.
Mahomes has a chance to surpass them all and make his tilted Vicis the helmet that defines an era.
How Do Helmets Balance Protection, Performance and Style?
When engineering modern football helmets, equipment brands have to balance multiple factors:
Protection
- The helmet must protect against injuries, especially concussions
- Cushioning like foam and air pockets absorb impact
- Outer shells distribute and deflect force
Performance
- Vision and range of motion for athletes to perform
- Lightweight so the helmet isn’t restrictive
- Optimal fit aligned to head and neck
- Aerodynamic for fast movement
Style
- Helmet and facemask aesthetic matched to team branding
- Accommodate players adding flair like visors, decals etc.
- High-tech materials provide a “cool” factor
Brands use lab testing and player feedback to optimize all three factors. For example, Vicis developedColumnar layering in the Zero1 to flex on impact for protection while maintaining performance.
New helmets aim for groundbreaking materials and designs that revolutionize protection. But style innovations driven by stars like Mahomes are also critical for consumer appeal. Finding the intersection of all three factors remains the helmet industry’s eternal quest.
4 Ways Patrick Mahomes Transformed the Game of Football
In just a few short years as starter for the Kansas City Chiefs, Patrick Mahomes has already revolutionized the sport of football with his thrilling, improvisational play. Here are 4 ways Mahomes is transforming football:
1. Explosive Passing from Any Angle
Mahomes possesses an exceptionally strong arm he can whip from unorthodox angles. His sidearm, no-look and across-the-body throws dazzle fans while expanding concepts of how passes can be delivered.
2. Lightning Quick Release
The snap quickness with which Mahomes gets the ball out astonishes defenders. With his flick-of-the-wrist release, he’s able to unload the ball even as the pocket collapses around him.
3. Scrambling Creativity
Mahomes displays uncanny creativity when scrambling, using his athleticism to improvise and create incredible plays outside the pocket. He constantly amazes with his off-platform throws on the run.
4. No-Look Passes
Mahomes popularized the risky but electrifying no-look pass where he looks away from the target before whipping passes into tight windows. The innovative trick pass is now emulated at all levels.
At just 27 years old, Mahomes appears poised to continue revolutionizing football for the next decade. With his creativity, big arm and scrambling ability, we can only imagine what new ways he’ll dream up to stun fans. The evolution of Mahomes promises football will never be the same.