The most recognizable part of a football uniform is the helmet, which sets the team apart from all of the others with its unique layout. Though it has not always been that way, as the years have passed the arrangements adorning a team’s headgear have become more elaborate and ornate while also going through design changes to improve its primary job: to protect the player’s noggin.
One of the most iconic helmets in the nation is one worn by the Florida football team, whose script “Gators” has been emblazoned on a field of orange for the past four decades. But in the seasons preceding the introduction of the modern design, UF went through many changes before landing on perfection.
Below, we have listed all of the previous helmet designs worn by the University of Florida’s football players throughout the ages dating back to the pre-1946 era, from the earliest to most recent — including modern novelty designs. Scroll down and take a walk through the history of the Orange and Blue.
Pre-1946: Leather helmets
Chuck Hunsinger, 1940s. (Courtesy: University of Florida SID)
The original leather helmet did not offer much in the way of variety when it came to design, and even less when it came to safety as the soft helmets did little to protect from direct impacts while the absence of a facemask carries its own obvious risks.
1946-55: Hard helmets with no facemask
“We Beat Georgia!” 1950. (Courtesy: University of Florida SID)
From the mid-40s to the mid-50s, football players got an upgrade transitioning to hard helmets. Still no facemasks, however, but one can see the genesis of team-based helmet designs emerging.
1956-62: White helmets with a stripe and numbers
Billy Cannon (20) Louisiana State star back, is raised into the air by the center of the UF line. Florida players in the tackle, Jimmy Givens (87) end, Danny Royal (77) tackle, Bob Wehking (58) center, in foreground is Doug Partin (32) Florida back. (AP Photo)
This era represents the true beginning of the modern…