If you’ve ever watched Patrick Mahomes play, you’ve probably noticed something different about his helmet. It looks bigger than most and sits unusually high on his head. Fans have joked about it for years, but during the Chiefs’ wild-card win over the Miami Dolphins, it became a major talking point. So, is it just a unique style choice, or is there a real reason behind it? Let’s break it down.
Mahomes wears a VICIS ZERO2, another top-rated helmet recognized for its cutting-edge safety features. This helmet utilizes multilayer technology with a deformable outer shell designed to absorb impact like a car bumper. The ZERO2 consistently ranks among the top helmets in NFL and NFLPA safety testing, making it an ideal choice for a quarterback who takes frequent hits.
Why Does Patrick Mahomes Wear His Helmet So High?
Beyond its size, fans have also noticed that Mahomes wears his helmet unusually high on his head. This isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s functional. Early in his career, Mahomes experienced his helmet slipping over his eyes during games, affecting his vision on the field. To prevent this, he started wearing his helmet higher than normal.
By adjusting the fit, Mahomes ensures that his helmet doesn’t obstruct his vision, which is crucial for a quarterback who needs to read defenses and make split-second decisions. While it might look unconventional, this adjustment helps him perform at his best.
The Wild Card Game Incident
Mahomes’ unique helmet drew even more attention during the Chiefs’ playoff game against the Miami Dolphins. The game-time temperature was an astonishing negative four degrees Fahrenheit, with wind gusts exceeding 25 miles per hour, making it the fourth-coldest game in NFL history.
During the game, Mahomes took a hit, and a piece of his VICIS ZERO2 helmet actually broke off. Despite this, he continued playing for a few more snaps before officials stopped the game and required him to switch helmets. The incident shocked fans, as it’s rare for a football helmet to crack, even under extreme conditions.
Certor Sports, the company that manufactures the VICIS ZERO2, responded to the situation, explaining that “extreme conditions like those are bound to test the limits of even the highest-performing products.” Barry Miller, director of the Virginia Tech Helmet Lab, confirmed that while helmet cracks are unusual, they can occur in lab testing, especially under extreme temperatures. Despite the breakage, the helmet effectively absorbed the impact and protected Mahomes.
Patrick Mahomes’ Helmet Choice Doesn’t Affect His Performance
Regardless of his unique helmet fit and size, Mahomes remains one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time. His talent, vision, and ability to make impossible plays have already cemented his legacy. Even if he never played another down, Mahomes would still be considered an all-time great and a future Hall of Famer.
So, the next time you see Mahomes with his oversized helmet sitting high on his head, you’ll know exactly why—it’s all about safety, vision, and ensuring he can keep delivering magic on the field.
