New Era resurrects the NFL helmet hat: The good and the bad of the ’80s throwback

New Era recently announced the return of NFL helmet hats — think the design of a football helmet with logos on each side (except for the Steelers), but on a baseball cap.

The concept was first introduced back in the 1980s by a company called Louisville, which utilized an ad campaign in which an NFL helmet morphed into the HelmetHat™.

(Someone is selling a copy of this print ad on eBay for $6.97. There are also a number of the original HelmetHats available there.)

Is the helmet hat concept an abomination that never should have been resurrected or another ’80s classic back for our cash?

Perhaps the biggest question you’ll ask yourself when laying eyes on this collection: would I actually wear this?

For you ball cap aficionados, take note that this is a New Era 9FIFTY design, so it’s a snapback cap with an adjustable closing in the back, not a fitted cap (59FIFTY), a la what MLB players wear on the field. Even if you’re someone who always prefers a fitted cap (people like this are out there, I’m one of them — size 7 1/2 if you’re asking), New Era adds an enticing little tag/helmet ensemble on the back of each helmet hat.

We’ve evaluated every helmet hat available (full set can be seen here), from the good to the bad and the Bengals scripted. A lot of retro looks made this list on the good side because when is retro not in?

Our favorites

Houston Oilers historic: This look is smoother than a Warren Moon spiral, but is it a Tennessee Titans hat or a Houston Texans hat?

Dallas Cowboys historic: It’s hard for a native Washingtonian to admit it, but whenever the Cowboys break out this look it’s quite the flex. The navy blue star and white and navy blue stripe down the middle are a solid combo. Expect to see a lot of these at Thanksgiving in Texas.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers historic: Creamsicle will always be in style as a popsicle flavor and in Tampa Bay Buccaneers retro uniforms. Remember last season when Bucs offensive lineman Tristan Wirfs had to decline a jersey swap after a game because he just couldn’t give up one of his creamsicle jerseys? That same devotion should be applied to this cap, which just might be the most fun selection out of all of the helmet hat options.

Seattle Seahawks historic: If enough people in Seattle buy these is it possible the Seahawks could go back to using this helmet all the time? We can only hope.

Pittsburgh Steelers: The classic Steelers logo on the right side and nothing on the left side gives this cap a Steel City je ne sais quoi. Both the black and yellow versions of this cap are can’t miss.

Los Angeles Rams: This could finally be the hat that gets Sean McVay to start wearing hats.

Atlanta Falcons historic: The Deion Sanders rookie year feels are strong with this one.

Buffalo Bills: It’s not shocking that one of the best color scheme helmets in the NFL looks great as a helmet hat.

Philadelphia Eagles historic: There’s nothing wrong with a hat that gives you Randall Cunningham and Reggie White vibes.

Cincinnati Bengals: The Bengals haven’t won a game yet but this hat is winning off the field and is the best of the bunch.

Five we could do without

New York Giants historic: Could you imagine Bill Parcells wearing one of these?

Washington Commanders:  Jayden Daniels completed over 90 percent of his passes in his Monday Night Football debut on the road and I’m still not going to buy this hat. Despite my love of the new Washington “W” logo, this style is an acquired taste.

Tennessee Titans: You know who really doesn’t like this hat? Malik Willis.

Arizona Cardinals: The Cards missed a big opportunity here by not utilizing their slick black helmets for this design. In their standard white, this hat looks too much like a blank canvas.

Cincinnati Bengals historic: The Bengals have the distinct honor of making both lists. However, a Cleveland Browns helmet with lettering on the side isn’t starting any trends.

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(All photos: New Era)