NFL Uniforms: Power Ranking All NFL Teams Helmet Logos

By (Correspondent) on April 13, 2011

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ARLINGTON, TX - FEBRUARY 06:  The helmets of the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Green Bay Packers are displayed before Super Bowl XLV at Cowboys Stadium on February 6, 2011 in Arlington, Texas.  (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

NFL teams helmets are their most distinctive feature.  Having a logo that fans of all ages love is crucial.

The helmet logo drives merchandise sales as well.  Most of the hats and shirts a team sells have either the team’s logo or helmet slapped on them.

Some helmets are great and will never be changed.  Others are abysmal and should be changed immediately.

Here is how all of the NFL teams helmets rank.

The Worst

NEW ORLEANS - OCTOBER 24:  A helmet of the Cleveland Browns sits on the turf during pregame before playing the New Orleans Saints at the Louisiana Superdome on October 24, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana.  (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
Chris Graythen/Getty Images

32. Cleveland Browns

There is no doubt, the Browns have the worst helmet in the NFL

Guy 1: “Man, that girl was a real Cleveland Brown.”

Guy 2: “A Cleveland Brown?”

Guy 1: “Yeah, a Cleveland Brown.  You know, good jersey, bad helmet.”

Outdated

LANDOVER, MD - AUGUST 13:  Albert Haynesworth #92 of the Washington Redskins plays defense during the preseason game against the Buffalo Bills at FedEx Field on August 13, 2010 in Landover, Maryland.  (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
Greg Fiume/Getty Images

These next set of helmets have been around for a while, but that doesn't mean they are necessarily good.

Some may call them classic, but I say a change is needed.

31. Arizona Cardinals

TAMPA, FL - FEBRUARY 01:  The Arizona Cardinals helmet is seen on the field before Super Bowl XLIII on February 1, 2009 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.  (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

Their logo is an angry-looking bird on a white helmet.  Also, it is associated with futility.

The Cardinals need to change their image.  Draft a franchise quarterback and change your logo.  A black helmet would look cool as well.

30. Washington Redskins

TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 25: The helmet of a Washington Redskins player rests on the field during warm ups against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the Raymond James Stadium on November 25, 2007 in Tampa, Florida.  The Bucs won 19-13. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Ge
Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images

The Redskins' helmet is the profile of a Native American.  Also, it has an unnecessary amount of feathers on it.

Under Steve Spurrier, they had another helmet, but it looked too much like Florida State's.

Still, the organization was on the right track.  Take the picture off and put something new on.

29. Oakland Raiders

OAKLAND - DECEMBER 19:  A view of an Oakland Raiders helmet at the game against the Tennessee Titans on December 19, 2004 at Network Associates Colesium in Oakland, California.  (Photo by Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty Images)
Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty Images

The Raiders could do a lot more with their helmet.

They need to embrace the atmosphere of the Black Hole and make their helmet more fierce and scary.

The helmet definitely needs to be black.

If they wanted to be really scary, they'd put a picture of Al Davis on it.  Gives me chills just thinking about it.

28. Buffalo Bills

PITTSFORD, NY - JULY 25: Helmets of the Buffalo Bills lay on the field during Training Camp on July 25, 2008 at Saint John Fisher College in Pittsford, New York.  (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)
Rick Stewart/Getty Images

The Bills recently added a dark blue stripe down the middle of their helmet, trying to make it look sleeker.

It partially worked, but it wasn't enough.

Either they need to revamp the entire thing, or go back to the old-school helmet.

Change It Again

FOXBORO, MA - DECEMBER 06:  Wes Welker #83 of the New England Patriots makes a reception in the first half against David Harris #52 of the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on December 6, 2010 in Foxboro, Massachusetts.  (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
Jim Rogash/Getty Images

This list is made up of those helmets that have been changed, yet need to be changed once again, either by coming up with something brand new or going back to an old design.

27. New York Jets

SAN DIEGO - JANUARY 17:  A New York Jets helmet sits on the sidelines during the AFC Divisional Playoff Game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium on January 17, 2010 in San Diego, California.  (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

The Jets don't have a single reference to an actual jet on their logo.  This needs to change.

Don't necessarily go back to the old logos, which weren't that great either, but somehow implement your team name into the logo.

26. New England Patriots

IRVING, TX - OCTOBER 14: A view of the New England Patriots helmet taken before the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Texas Stadium on October 14, 2007 in Irving, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

After the Patriots' recent success, their logo has almost become iconic.  Almost.

Maybe it's just me, but I'm partial to their old helmet.  Now that's what you call American.

25. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 12: A helmet and team visor behind the bench  as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers host the Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium on October 12, 2008 in Tampa, Florida.  (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)
Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images

Granted, it's a great improvement from their previous helmet, but the Bucs helmet still isn't what it could be.

They're another one of those nasty teams, so more black should be incorporated into their color scheme.

24. Seattle Seahawks

MINNEAPOLIS - NOVEMBER 22:  Seattle Seahawks helmets sit on the bench against the Minnesota Vikings at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome on November 22, 2009 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.  (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)
Nick Laham/Getty Images

They recently changed their helmet color from grey to blue, and they also made the seahawk look angrier.  Both were great improvements.

I really have no suggestions for the Seahawks except for implementing more of the neon green in their color scheme, much like the Seattle Sounders of the MLS have done.

That way, once the NFL allows sponsors on the jerseys, the Seahawks can have an Xbox logo slapped on there easier.

23. New York Giants

IRVING, TX - JANUARY 13:  A New York Giants helmet sits on the field before the NFC Divisional Playoff game against the Dallas Cowboys at Texas Stadium on January 13, 2008 in Irving, Texas.  (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
Chris Graythen/Getty Images

Instead of having "Giants" on their helmet, they switched to simply "NY."

The only team that can get away with "NY" as their logo is the Yankees.  Heck, the Mets can't even do it.

The Giants need to freshen things up and go in a different direction than their MLB neighbors, especially since they're not even neighbors, seeing how the Giants play in New Jersey.

In Between

JACKSONVILLE, FL - DECEMBER 09:  Ken Lucas #21 of the Carolina Panthers defends a pass to Ernest Wilford #19 of the Jacksonville Jaguars at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium on December 9, 2007 in Jacksonville, Florida.  The Jaguars beat the Panthers 37-6.
Sam Greenwood/Getty Images

22. Jacksonville Jaguars

21. Carolina Panthers

Both teams came into the league in 1995, and both teams haven't changed their logos.

Both helmets are cool, but both don't have any history.  Therefore, they're just in between.

Panthers get the front spot simply because they made a Super Bowl.  There really is no distinction between these two helmets.

Classic, but Could Be Changed

MIAMI - SEPTEMBER 21:  Offensive lineman Ryan Diem #71 of the Indianapolis Colts tries to stop linebacker Jason Taylor #99 of the Miami Dolphins at Land Shark Stadium on September 21, 2009 in Miami, Florida. The Colts defeated the Dolphins 27-23.  (Photo
Doug Benc/Getty Images

The next group of teams has helmets that are undoubtedly classics, but they're not necessarily the most aesthetically pleasing.

20. Miami Dolphins

MIAMI - AUGUST 15:  Detail of the helmet of a member of the Miami Dolphins before the NFL preseason game against the New Orleans Saints on August 15, 2002 at Pro Player Stadium in Miami, Florida.  The Saints won 24-7.  (Photo By Eliot J. Schechter/Getty I
Eliot J. Schechter/Getty Images

The Dolphins have a picture of a dolphin wearing a different-style Miami helmet on their helmet.  Not good.

If it weren't a classic, they'd need to change it immediately.

19. Kansas City Chiefs

KANSAS CITY, MO - OCTOBER 24:  Detail of a Kansas City Chiefs helmet during the game against the Atlanta Falcons on October 24, 2004 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. The Chiefs defeated the Falcons 56-10.  (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
Brian Bahr/Getty Images

The Chiefs' helmet is simple, yet after many years it is still cool.

The only thing I could see them doing is adding a bit of yellow to it.

Much like Seattle, it could help with a future sponsor.  In this case, it'd be McDonald's.

18. Indianapolis Colts

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL - FEBRUARY 05:  An Indianapolis Colts helmet is seen during the AFC Head Coach Press Conference held at the Greater Ft. Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center as part of media week for Super Bowl XLIV on February 5, 2010 in Fort L
Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images

This helmet has been graced by two of the top quarterbacks in NFL history, Johnny Unitas and Peyton Manning.

Once Manning retires, it is highly likely the Colts will have an identity crisis.

The only way the Colts change their helmet is if the fans leave once Manning retires.  Then the Colts may need something to spice up the franchise, especially for the young fans.

17. San Francisco 49ers

SAN FRANCISCO - DECEMBER 14:  A San Francisco 49ers helmet sits on the field prior to their game against the Arizona Cardinals at Candlestick Park on December 14, 2009 in San Francisco, California.  (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

The 49ers have a solid helmet, especially since the gold helmet actually relates to the team name.

The shade of red has changed over the years, but other than that the helmet has remained the same.

This is a good helmet and won't change for a while, if at all.

The Animals

CINCINNATI, OH - AUGUST 27:  Running back Kenneth Darby #34 of the St. Louis Rams runs into a pile of Cincinnati Bengals defenders during the preseason game at Paul Brown Stadium on August 27, 2009 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
Andy Lyons/Getty Images

These teams don't just have animals as nicknames (except for one), but have a distinct feature about their animals as their helmet logos.

It's nice to see teams change it up a bit like this, which is why they're so high up on the list.

16. Minnesota Vikings

TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 16: Defensive end Jared Allen #69 of the Minnesota Vikings holds his helmet high and celebrates a score against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on November 16, 2008 in Tampa, Florida.  (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Gett
Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images

Though Vikings aren't an animal, their horned headgear is represented by the Minnesota helmets.

It also gives the fans a chance to wear real Vikings hats to games while at the same time supporting their team.

15. Philadelphia Eagles

8 Oct 2000:  A general view of the Philadelphia Eagles helmet after the game against the Washington Redskins at the Veterans Stadium in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Redskins defeated the Eagles 17-14.Mandatory Credit: Doug Pensinger  /Allsport
Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

The Eagles' wings are a cool change up to your typical put-a-bird-on-your-helmet deal.

Plus, have you seen the Eagles' old bird logo?  I would have elected to put wings on instead as well.

14. Cincinnati Bengals

10 Dec 2000:   A view of the Cincinnati Bengals helmet taken during the game against the Tennessee Titans at the Adelphia Coliseum in Nashville, Tennessee. The Titans defeated the Bengals 35-3.Mandatory Credit: Scott Halleran  /Allsport
Scott Halleran/Getty Images

The Bengals' helmet is simply just bengal tiger stripes, but the cool part is that no two Cincy helmets are identical. 

The stripes on each helmet are different in some way.

Being original gets you points on this list.  Plus, the bengal tiger logo is ugly.

13. St. Louis Rams

3 Dec 2000:  A view of the St. Louis Rams helmet after the game against the Carolina Panthers at the Ericsson Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina.  The Panthers defeated the Rams 16-3.Mandatory Credit: Scott Halleran  /Allsport
Scott Halleran/Getty Images

Ram horns are cool and different, unless you're Colorado State.

At the turn of the millennium, they changed their colors from bright yellow to gold, which was a great choice moving forward.

They're my pick for best helmet in this category.

The Youngsters

HOUSTON - NOVEMBER 28:  Linebacker Brian Cushing #56 of the Houston Texans lays a hard hit on tight end Bo Scaife #80 of the Tennessee Titans at Reliant Stadium on November 28, 2010 in Houston, Texas.  (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
Bob Levey/Getty Images

These helmets are relatively new, and they all have sleek designs.  The teams that wear them are pretty young as well.

The helmets, much like their respective teams, appeal to the younger demographic.

These are the new era in helmet designs.

12. Denver Broncos

23 Sep 2001:  A general view of the Denver Broncos helmet after the game against the Arizona Cardinals at the Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Arizona. The Broncos defeated the Cardinals 38-17.Mandatory Credit: Jeff Gross  /Allsport
Jeff Gross/Getty Images

The Broncos are the oldest of this bunch, seeing as how John Elway donned this helmet.

The 21st century design is way better than their old helmet.

The Broncos are going in a new direction these days as well, and much has changed about their team.

This helmet is new and cool enough, though, that Tim Tebow will not be seeing a change in helmets while in Denver.

11. Tennessee Titans

DALLAS - SEPTEMBER 15:  Detail of a Tennessee Titan's helmet during the game against the Dallas Cowboys on September 15, 2002 at Texas Stadium in Dallas, Texas.   The Cowboys defeat the Titans 21-13.  (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

After moving from Houston and changing their name, the Titans were able to come up with a pretty cool design for their helmet.

It also incorporates parts of the Tennessee state flag, which gives them points.

10. Houston Texans

HOUSTON - JULY 31:  A Houston Texans helmet sits on a stack of Gatorade during practice on July 31, 2009 in Houston, Texas.  (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
Bob Levey/Getty Images

It's hard to come up with a logo for a Texan, but the franchise did a great job.

Nothing shouts "Texas" more than the state flag and horns.

It's a young team with a cool design, and many are hopping on the bandwagon.

9. Baltimore Ravens

BALTIMORE - SEPTEMBER  15:  Detail of the helmet of the Baltimore Ravens before the NFL game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on September 15, 2002 at Ravens Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland. The Buccaneers shut out the Ravens 25-0.  (Photo By Scott Hallera
Scott Halleran/Getty Images

Although they changed their helmet from a crest to a bird, which usually isn't cool, I give the Ravens props for it.

They were named after the famous Edgar Allen Poe poem, which a crest has nothing to do with. 

They still tied it back to Baltimore with a "B" in the middle of the Raven's head.

8. Detroit Lions

Lions-helmet_display_image

Though it's technically not a new design, the Lions revamped it after going 0-16 in 2008.

It's a sleek new look that has helped the team win some games.  Or maybe it was more so the emergence of Calvin Johnson and Ndamukong Suh.

The new-look Lions got out of the NFC North cellar last season and are on the rise in their new-look helmets.

7. Atlanta Falcons

FLOWERY BRANCH, GA - AUGUST 01:  Atlanta Falcons' helmets sit on field during opening day of training camp on August 1, 2009 at the Falcons Training Complex in Flowery Branch, Georgia.  (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

The Falcons' old helmet was dull and boring.

When Arthur Blank took over the team, he revamped the franchise, including the logo.

The Falcon is a newer design and incorporates more red in it as well.

Since then, the Falcons have seen the most continued success in franchise history, minus the Petrino year.

The Classics

CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 23:  James Starks #44 of the Green Bay Packers is tackled by Lance Briggs #55 of the Chicago Bears in the NFC Championship Game at Soldier Field on January 23, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois.  (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Jamie Squire/Getty Images

These helmets are classics and should never be changed.  Ever.

6. New Orleans Saints

NEW ORLEANS - DECEMBER 19:  A helmet of the New Orleans Saints sits on the ground before the game against the Dallas Cowboys at the Louisiana Superdome on December 19, 2009 in New Orleans, Louisiana.  (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
Chris Graythen/Getty Images

Although the Saints don't have as rich of a history as other teams in this section, their helmet is still a classic.

It embodies the city of New Orleans, just like the team.  Not many teams represent their city like the Saints do.

5. San Diego Chargers

Chargers_display_image

The Chargers finally switched back to having white helmets, which was definitely the right call.

Now, if they can only put the numbers back on the helmets...

4. Chicago Bears

CLEVELAND - SEPTEMBER 2: A Chicago Bears helmet sits on the sideline during the preseason game between the Chicago Bears and the Cleveland Browns on September 2, 2010 at Cleveland Browns Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio. The Browns defeated the Bears 13-10. (Ph
Justin K. Aller/Getty Images

The orange "C" on a navy helmet will always be the Bears' helmet.

Although it's very simple, it's a classic, which makes it awesome.

3. Dallas Cowboys

CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 22:  A helmet with a sticker in memory of the late Sean Taylor of the Washington Redskins sits on the field prior to the Dallas Cowboys versus Carolina Panthers game at Bank of America Stadium on December 22, 2007 in Charlotte, No
Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

The Cowboys' blue star represents the Lone Star State of Texas, and has come to represent the Cowboys as well.

The star may be the most recognized symbol in all of football, and is fitting for "America's Team."

The helmet and logo will never get old, nor will it go out of style.

2. Green Bay Packers

GREEN BAY, WI - AUGUST 03: Helmets sit on the field during the Green Bay Packers practice at summer training camp on August 3, 2009 at the Ray Nitschke Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

Another classic, the Packers' helmet will also never change.

That weird yellow color of their helmets is nostalgic in a way, and it is also almost as loud as Tennessee Orange, considering how many Packers' fans are wearing the Cheesehead hats.

The Best

ARLINGTON, TX - FEBRUARY 06:  A Pittsburgh Steelers helmet sit in the endzone before the Steelers take on the Green Bay Packers during Super Bowl XLV at Cowboys Stadium on February 6, 2011 in Arlington, Texas.  (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

1. Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers have the best helmet in all of football.

Not only does their logo represent the steel industry in Pittsburgh, but it's also only on one side of the helmet.

The helmet is original, a classic and represents the city.  That gets them to No. 1 on the list.

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