There is a lot to like about this helmet. We have owned it for a while now and have been trying to attribute it to a player. After scouring hundreds of photos – for both the year of the helmet but also who wore it; we have decided to list it without a firm answer. I believe the helmet is from the 1998 season, based on the size of the rear warning label (see pic below) and the blue Riddell nose bumper decal. Additionally, the facemask is dated 1998 – and the first year that the Cowboys started to use the 2nd gen style of mask with the mid double wire incorporated at the side facemask mount. In 1998, more Cowboys were starting to wear the high mount chinstraps with the Riddell helmets. Very few Cowboys Riddell users had high chinstrap mounts prior to 1998. The helmet is missing the chinstrap, but has the rubber bumper grommets that the Cowboys used when drilling Riddell helmets for the high mounts. See the below photo for an example of the grommet between the strap and the helmet shell. The closest we can find to a possible connection would be Randall Godfrey. Godfrey wore the rare AF2 model helmet. In the early part of the season, Godfrey used a low mount chinstrap and a 1st gen style RJOP-UB-DW. Later in the season – you guessed it – the switch to the newer 2nd gen RJOP-UB-DW along with a high mount chinstrap. The helmet shows moderate wear, with several deep gouges. We appreciate any help our readers and customers can lend. The helmet is complete except the chinstrap. It is all original and has not been modified in any way. The size of the helmet is a large 7 1/2 as the AF2 model helmet was a sized helmet. The Cowboys logos and striping is original, properly positioned, and adhered to the helmet with no lifting. Game decals include the small warning label, NFL Shield, and bumper decals on the front and rear bumpers. There is shadowing of where the dymo tape player identifier was on the rear lower portion of the center stripe, as the Cowboys have done with their helmets since the 1960s. Additionally, there is a “96″ scratched/engraved on the inside of the helmet under the jawpad. I believe this to be the initial year of the helmet rather than a player identifier. Great helmet, of a highly sought after team, complete with mystery challenge, ready for your research, then for your display.
