There are 13 alternate helmets in the NFL this year, and the Denver Broncos throwback helmets were ranked best by Sports Illustrated.
The NFL finally loosened up and realized the marketing and money-making opportunities accompanied by letting teams wear alternate helmets. Just like the NCAA has been doing for years.
And while fans have been pleasantly surprised with the Broncos new uniform revamp, the 1977 classic uniforms and helmets are sensational.
Denver Broncos throwback helmets ranked best alternates
The league’s merchandising has taken a definite step in the right direction the last few years, allowing teams to have multiple helmet designs.
The fashion forward move means teams can now have multiple logos, different colors, and even different finishes to their helmets. That brings more visual appeal for fans, and more gear to buy.
Last year, Denver unveiled the snowcapped white alternates with the old school D logo. Those were cool but not true to the brand.
That’s why this year’s 1977 Denver Broncos throwback helmets, complete with the “legacy” royal blue, are the best look since the team went away from the logo back in 1997.
1977 was a special year for the Broncos. The first time Denver won the AFC Championship Game and went to a Super Bowl was that year. That team also included franchise legend Randy Gradishar, who entered the Hall of Fame this year as Denver’s 14th player to be enshrined.
The team will not only honor Gradishar during their Oct. 5 game, but wear their new throwback helmets, too.
Sports Illustrated recently rated all 13 alternate helmets leading into the 2024 season, and two of Denver’s alternates were included.
And Denver’s new alternate white helmet comes in at No. 8 on the list.
Denver Broncos white helmet. Credit: Sports Illustrated.
While the white is fine, it’s not great, considering the team’s white-dominated logo. It’ll be interesting to see these in live action in Week 13 vs. the Cleveland Browns.
Sports Illustrated’s Top 5 is as follows:
5. Baltimore Ravens “Purple Rising” helmets with their alternate logo.
4. Minnesota Vikings “Winter Warrior” all-whites.
3. Houston Texans “Battle Red.”
2. Houston Texans “H-Town Blue” helmets.
1. Denver Broncos throwback helmets called “Legacy Blue.”
Denver Broncos legacy blue helmets. Credit: Sports Illustrated.
However, these are not only the best alternate helmets in the NFL this year, they’re the best helmets in Denver Broncos history.
Denver wore them from 1968-1997 and many longtime Broncos fans want these to be the permanent, full-time helmets. To go along with the orange uniform tops and white pants.
Some have speculated the Broncos new uniforms are just holdovers until a complete rebrand can take place. If true, the team should really consider making the modernized throwbacks the full-time uniforms.
Denver plays their third preseason game of 2024 today, closing it out against the Arizona Cardinals. That game kicks at 2:30 p.m. MDT.