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'Thing of Beauty': Lions' New Alternate Helmet Dazzles

Lions fans react to new alternate helmet being released.

Christian Booher

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The Detroit Lions made waves Wednesday by releasing a first look at their new alternate helmets. These will be worn for the first time in 2023. 

It's the first time the team will wear a blue helmet since 1955, according to Helmet History. 

The specific color is one that has never been worn before on an NFL helmet. The organization said that these alternates will only be worn with the team's all-gray uniforms. 

Per multiple reports, the Lions will wear the helmets on two occasions -- against the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday Night Football and against the Minnesota Vikings in the regular season finale.

Fans have long been awaiting a chance to view the newest addition to Detroit's helmet rotation since team president Rod Wood revealed the team would indeed sport a new look in 2023. 

Detroit's newest shells are Honolulu blue with an alternate logo decal on the sides designed to commemorate the organization's 90th season. 

The Lions have not sported an alternate helmet in quite some time. The league passed a rule limiting each team to only one shell in 2013 in an effort to bolster player safety. 

However, the rule was changed in 2022 to allow teams a second, alternative helmet design. Several teams took advantage of this last season, with Detroit joining the mix in 2023. 

The alternate logo is one the team has never worn on its uniforms, but one it did feature during the 1960s. 

Here is a sample of the online reaction to the team's new helmets. 

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Christian Booher
CHRISTIAN BOOHER

Sports journalist who has covered the Detroit Lions the past three NFL seasons. Christian brings expert analysis, insights and an ability to fairly assess how the team is performing in a tough NFC North division. 

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