The New York Jets joined the likes of the Carolina Panthers and New Orleans Saints by revealing a startling alternate helmet on Friday, a matted-black helmet with the ‘Jets’ word mark plastered over the sides in dark green.
It’s a startling look considering the fan base had been clamoring for a couple of years for the franchise to to either return to the look from the “Sack Exchange” era of the 1980’s, or return to the classic white helmet that the Jets have worn for most of its history from 1965-77, and again from 1998 to 2018.
The Jets will wear the black helmets with their black uniforms against the New England Patriots on October 30; against the Chicago Bears on November 27, and against the Jacksonville Jaguars on December 22.
Fans were completely perplexed, and voiced their displeasure on Twitter.
Those are going to look great when the Bears are blowing them out by 28 points
— Pete, and you will have time for my shenanigans (@Pete_Chi_Fan) July 22, 2022
Terrible, i wish i was a giants fan. Woody is so out of touch with the fan base
— justin (@justin74747772) July 22, 2022
Meanwhile, the helmet fans want to see... pic.twitter.com/sNxFnQodPQ
— LG (@CancelCulture28) July 22, 2022
These helmets can be two things at once. Extremely dope and not what I wanted #Jets pic.twitter.com/EXjTkpnDwV
— Paul Bruzzese (@Paulie_Bruz) July 22, 2022
The Jets join a long list of teams experimenting with new helmets after the NFL disbanded its “one shell” policy for team helmets. Some teams like the Falcons, Patriots, Cowboys, and Giants are throwing it back to classic looks.
The Bengals are going with an alternate white helmet. The Texans an alternate red helmet. The Jets joined the Panthers, Eagles and Saints with matted-black.
Which alternate helmet is your favorite? 🔥👀 pic.twitter.com/2RELejn4Vc
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) July 22, 2022