Cleveland Browns helmets

[s'news]

When did they start putting numbers on the helmets?

[The Fedora]

i was JUST wondering the same thing? is that some sort of a throwback thing? it looks old school.

[Roy Hobbs]

The Browns wore numbers on their helmets from 1957 to 1960. 1960 was the last year they had a single white stripe on the helmet, adding two brown stripes on either side after that.
http://assets.espn.go.com/photo/2006/1204/nfl_a_brown_195.jpg

[s'news]

I'm wondering if it's a throwback thing myself, Fedora. Perhaps the Texans had something that threw back to their long, storied history as well. Aside from losing the game, that is.

[The Fedora]

yeah, that was as tough to watch as last night's game...

[McCovey Cove Returns]

To answer the original question, the helmets are throwbacks. The Browns simply add numbers to their current look. Under NFL rules, teams have the option of wearing a third uniform twice each season. So we may see the numbered helmets one more time.

While the jersey doesn't change, the helmet makes it a throwback. A change in the jersey would classify it as an alternate or throwback as well. For some reason, it does not apply to the pants a team wears. So teams like the Titans and Saints can come up with a zillion combinations, but it's not technically a "third jersey."

[Sir Dropham Pants]

You old helmet and uniform junkies may enjoy www.helmethut.com.

[The Thrill]

To answer the original question, the helmets are throwbacks. The Browns simply add numbers to their current look. Under NFL rules, teams have the option of wearing a third uniform twice each season. So we may see the numbered helmets one more time.

While the jersey doesn't change, the helmet makes it a throwback. A change in the jersey would classify it as an alternate or throwback as well. For some reason, it does not apply to the pants a team wears. So teams like the Titans and Saints can come up with a zillion combinations, but it's not technically a "third jersey."

Actually, as stated above, the Browns removed the thin brown stripes that flank the white stripe down the middle of the helmet. Those were throwback uniforms, emulating the 1957-59 Browns.

http://img117.imageshack.us/img117/6407/browns1bc6.jpg

You'll notice there's no TV (sleeve or shoulder pad) numbers on the jerseys. Compare that to the regular Browns unis from earlier this season:

http://img117.imageshack.us/img117/109/browns2bz2.jpg

I believe the pants stayed the same...as did the jersey sleeve striping. The Browns removed the thin brown stripes that separated the orange from the white a couple of years ago, I believe. (They also reversed the brown and orange striping on the pants at the same time.)

Yes, I'm a dork for knowing all that...and I'm not even a Browns fan.

[s'news]

Did they have a special throwback cup?

[Kace]

I wonder if the fans hurled throwback batteries onto the field.

[McCovey Cove Returns]

Forget the batteries, I think "throwback" dog bones are a more likely choice for Browns fans.

[Roy Hobbs]

Did they have a special throwback cup?

If they did, it may have looked like the one of the kid we all made fun of on my 8th grade football team.

Bought at Sears, it had the stamp "Ted Williams Quality" with Ted's signature right on the front of the thing.