Can you imagine there was a time in football when helmets were not worn? [vintage film]

Today, it is hard to believe that there was a time when football helmets were not required equipment in games. The man in the rare film went to extreme lengths to show the safety of his helmet design.

In 1888, college football rules changed to allow tackling below the waist so players and coaches decided pads were essential to play the game. However, helmets were not readily accepted until much later.

The first football helmet was invented by George Barclay in 1896 and was called the ‘head harness’. Later helmets were made of padded leather that resembled aviators’ helmets. Many other inventors tried to improve football helmets and encouraged players to use them, but believe it or not, helmets were not made mandatory in the National Football League until 1943.




About Donna R Causey


All her books can be purchased at and Barnes & Noble.

She has authored numerous genealogy books.
Discordance: The Cottinghams (Volume 1)
is the continuation of the story. .

For a complete list of books, visit Donna R Causey

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