Why are the Falcons wearing red helmets in Week 4 against the Saints?

Since the 1960s, the so-called ‘Clash of the Titans’ has provided NFL fans with all kinds of intrigue, excitement, and of course heartbreak - depending on who you support - and it’s all but certain that this year’s dance between the two will give fans and neutrals the same. The only difference is, that the Falcons are going vintage with their duds.

The Falcons are taking it back to red

Earlier this week, NFL reporter Dov Kleiman dropped a doozy on New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons fans when he disclosed that Atlanta’s favorites would be giving a nod to nostalgia. To be more specific, Kleiman explained that “The #Falcons will be wearing their throwback red helmets against the #Saints on Sunday.”

If you didn’t know, the Falcons donned red helmets in their inaugural season way back in 1966, which is to say for their coming dance with the Saints, the team has chosen to bring the weight of History with it. Now, it’s worth noting that teams have only been able to use more than one helmet since the NFL lifted its one-helmet rule just two years ago in 2022. To that end, multiple teams across the league have now introduced alternate helmet designs.

Indeed, fans should recall that two years ago the Falcons switched to red helmets for just one game and as one can probably guess, they were a hit. With that in mind, it’s quite understandable that the team has taken the decision to go with them once again. Even more so when you consider that the Falcons currently sit on a record of 1-2, while the Saints are on 2-1. That’s to say if ever there was a time to go big, it’s got to be when you’re playing your bitter rival in a game that you need to win.

Of course, it would be nothing if those who have to wear said helmets didn’t understand the importance of them. Thankfully, the current generation of players is up to speed on what they’re about to represent. Speaking with the media, Falcons safety Erik Harris made that clear. “I think anytime you can wear any type of throwback and you see the guys that came before you; Hall of Famers and really good players, it’s pretty cool that you can wear that same uniform, especially the red ones.” Our advice? Keep an eye on this one as something tells us it’s going to be lit.