Play It Safe: Football Helmet History-- Part 1: From Soft Leather to Hard Plastic

From the Nov. 18, 2015, Northwest Herald (Illinois) "Kid Scoop"

Of interest as we near the end of football for the season and the movie "Concussion."

1920s

The first helmets were merely soft leather coverings that were meant primarily to protect the ears.

1930s

In 1939, the John T. Riddell Company of Chicago introduced the first all-plastic football helmet.

1940s

Soft leather head coverings became hard leather helmets.  Chinstraps and decorations were added.  helmets became mandatory for NFL players.

1950s

A single face bar was added to plastic helmets.  In 1956, a radio helmet was introduced which allowed coaches to communicate with players on the field.

--DaCoot