If you’ve ever watched Patrick Mahomes play, you’ve probably wondered- what’s up with his helmet? It looks bigger than most, and it sits unusually high on his head. Fans have joked about it for years, but it became a huge topic during the Chiefs’ wild-card win over the Miami Dolphins. So, is it just a weird style choice, or is there a real reason behind it? Let’s break it down.
Patrick Mahomes’ Helmet Is Bigger For Safety Reasons
Mahomes usually wears a Riddell SpeedFlex helmet, which has larger dimensions than a standard NFL helmet. The primary reason? Safety. The SpeedFlex is one of the safest helmets available, designed to reduce concussions and other head injuries. Many quarterbacks, including Mahomes, choose this helmet to protect themselves from high-impact hits.
However, during the Chiefs’ game against the Dolphins, Mahomes wasn’t wearing his usual SpeedFlex. Instead, he had on a VICIS ZERO2, another top-rated helmet known for its advanced safety features. This helmet uses multilayer technology with a deformable outer shell that absorbs impact similarly to a car bumper. The ZERO2 has been among the top five helmets in NFL and NFLPA safety testing, making it a smart choice for a quarterback taking frequent hits.
Why Does Patrick Mahomes Wear His Helmet So High?
Beyond its size, fans have also noticed that Mahomes wears his helmet unusually high on his head. This isn’t just a style choice- it’s functional. Early in his career, Mahomes experienced his helmet slipping over his eyes during games, affecting his vision on the field. To prevent this from happening, he started wearing his helmet higher than normal.
By adjusting the fit, Mahomes ensures that his helmet doesn’t obstruct his vision, which is crucial for a quarterback who needs to read defenses and make split-second decisions. While it might look unconventional, this adjustment helps him perform at his best.
The Wild Card Game Incident
Mahomes’ unique helmet drew even more attention during the Chiefs’ playoff game against the Miami Dolphins. The game-time temperature was an astonishing negative four degrees Fahrenheit, with wind gusts exceeding 25 miles per hour, making it the fourth-coldest game in NFL history.
During the game, Mahomes took a hit, and a piece of his VICIS ZERO2 helmet actually broke off. Despite this, he continued playing for a few more snaps before officials stopped the game and made him switch helmets. The incident shocked fans, as it’s rare for a football helmet to crack, even under extreme conditions.
Certor Sports, the company that makes the VICIS ZERO2, responded to the situation, explaining that “extreme conditions like those are bound to test the limits of even the highest-performing products.” Barry Miller, director of the Virginia Tech Helmet Lab, confirmed that while helmet cracks are unusual, they do occur in lab testing, especially under extreme temperatures. Despite the breakage, the helmet successfully absorbed the impact and protected Mahomes.
Patrick Mahomes’ Helmet Choice Doesn’t Affect His Performance
Regardless of his unique helmet fit and size, Mahomes remains one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time. His talent, vision, and ability to make impossible plays have already cemented his legacy. Even if he never played another down, Mahomes would still be considered an all-time great and a future Hall of Famer.
So, the next time you see Mahomes with his oversized helmet sitting high on his head, you’ll know exactly why- it’s all about safety, vision, and making sure he can keep delivering magic on the field.
