NFL and Riddell to End Helmet Deal

The National Football League (NFL) and Riddell will end their partnership at the close of the 2013 season, meaning the firm will no longer be the official helmet of the league.

A report from Darren Rovell of ESPN said that NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy had confirmed that the league had renegotiated a deal that stemmed from 1989, allowing the deal with Riddell to end this season.

In a statement to ESPN.com, Riddell said: “We are proud of our relationship with the NFL. We are also very proud of the fact that year after year a majority of NFL players choose to wear Riddell helmets — a true testament to our relentless efforts to protect athletes.

“While it is accurate that our current NFL agreement will expire next year, we look forward to a continued positive and productive relationship with the NFL in the future. We are confident that we will continue to be the helmet of choice of our nation’s elite football players.”

Current rules allow players to wear any standard compliant helmet, but Riddell is the only company whose name can appear on the nose bumper.

Rovell reports that roughly one-third of NFL players do not use Riddell helmets and instead use their competitors Schutt, Xenith or Rawlings.