Why does Patrick Mahomes wear his helmet so high? Chiefs star continues to use unique gear in new NFL season

Mahomes, a three-time MVP, is arguably the best player in the league today and certainly one of the most recognisable.  He stands out with his curly hair, but also due to the fact he wears his helmet so high up his head.

Why does Mahomes wear his helmet so high?

Mahomes wears his helmet high on his head for multiple reasons.  One of those is due to safety – something high on his agenda, as detailed during an exclusive interview with talkSPORT.com.  As Mahomes is a quarterback, he is at high risk of receiving strong tackles that may cause unfortunate head injuries.

So, the NFL star wears a helmet that is bigger than the usual one, with it being specially designed to protect against concussions – similarly to guardian caps.  His gear is made by a company called VICIS, and Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa uses the same brand too.  According to laboratory tests conducted by the NFL and NFLPA in 2023, VICIS have the five highest-performing helmets when it comes to reducing the severity of head impacts.

So, his bigger and specialised helmet means he has a much lower chance of picking up an injury.  A drawback of the bigger helmet, though, is the fact it can be more of an obstruction.  And Mahomes has had issues in the past with his helmet.  The Kansas City star used to complain that his helmet would slip down and obstruct his vision.  To resolve this, he started wearing it further up his head to ensure he got the full protection but could also see and dictate the game from anywhere on the field.

It’s a subtle change, but it’s obviously helped his game, considering he’s now a three-time Super Bowl champion.  Mahomes missed out on another Super Bowl ring last year as the Chiefs were badly beaten by Philadelphia Eagles in the showpiece match in New Orleans.  Andy Reid’s men are back for another campaign as they eye glory again.  They kick off their campaign against the LA Chargers in Sao Paulo, Brazil on Friday, September 5.