Relaxed NFL rules regarding alternate uniforms paved the way for 13 brand new alternate helmets in 2022, and more are on the way in 2023. The Browns on Tuesday joined the fray and unveiled a new alternate.
Unlike the Lions and Buccaneers, Cleveland’s new helmet doesn’t feature a different logo — or any logo at all. (That shouldn’t be a surprise, considering the Browns’ traditional helmet doesn’t feature a logo. In fact, the Browns’ primary logo is the helmet itself).
The alternate helmet still marks a major change from the Browns’ typical look, and is the first time Cleveland has shaken up the colors of its helmet in over seven decades.
Here’s a look at the Browns’ new white helmet and how it came to be.
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Browns alternate helmet, explained
The Browns’ new alternate helmet is certainly a different look than their traditional helmet, but the change didn’t require too much detail. Cleveland effectively inverted its traditional helmet, making the base color white and changing the white stripe along the top to orange. Brown stripes, which surround the middle stripe, remain as they were.
revisiting our roots with modern style 🔁 pic.twitter.com/JpnXwBqksk
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) July 18, 2023
So, why did the Browns introduce the helmet? The look is a throwback to the franchise’s roots.
Cleveland exclusively donned white helmets from 1946-1949, when they won four consecutive All-America Football Conference titles, and continued to wear white helmets during their championship NFL season in 1950. Orange helmets, which were first introduced in 1950, took over as the team’s only helmet in 1952.
“Some traditions are destined to return, and that time is now,” the Browns’ announcement video said.
taking it back to how it all began ⚪️ pic.twitter.com/XPiFCHGdND
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) July 18, 2023
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In a statement, Browns executive vice president JW Johnson said the helmet “harkens back to our past” and comes as a result of fan interest in the look.
While white helmets are labeled as throwbacks, the headgear worn by football players in the 1940s didn’t look much like the modern helmets. This is pretty close to a brand new look for the Browns, though it’s no surprise a long-suffering Cleveland franchise is trying to go back to its championship roots.
When will Browns wear alternate helmets in 2023?
The Browns plan to wear the white helmet three times in 2023, paired with the white throwback jersey they introduced in 2021. It will make its debut in Week 2 during a “Monday Night Football” matchup at Pittsburgh, followed by home games vs. the 49ers (Week 6) and Jets (Week 17).
After a handful of teams took advantage of the new rules by introducing black helmets to pair with all-black uniforms, the Browns’ brighter look is a welcome change of pace for the league.