From College Standout to NFL MVP: Tracing the Evolution of Lamar Jackson’s Helmet and Gear

When Lamar Jackson steps onto the gridiron as the Baltimore Ravens’ quarterback, every piece of equipment he wears is a finely tuned instrument of protection and performance. From the custom-fitted helmet that shields his head to the specialized gloves that help him deliver pinpoint passes, each component has evolved dramatically since his college days at Louisville. This evolution mirrors broader NFL trends toward enhanced safety, personalized fit, and position-specific design. Understanding how Jackson’s gear has changed over the years provides a fascinating window into both the player and the sport itself.

The Louisville Years: Foundational Gear for a Dual-Threat Phenom

During his Heisman Trophy-winning 2016 season at the University of Louisville, Lamar Jackson wore a Riddell Revolution Speed helmet, a model that was already a few years old but remained popular for its balance of weight and protection. The Revolution Speed featured a thermoplastic polyurethane shell and a multi-density foam liner designed to reduce rotational forces on the brain. For a quarterback who routinely scrambled and took hits from blitzing defenders, that baseline protection was critical.

His shoulder pads during this period were relatively standard Riddell Power pads, which prioritized durability over mobility. At 6-foot-2 and around 205 pounds, Jackson wore a size that allowed adequate coverage without overly restricting his throwing motion. His gloves were basic Nike receivers’ models with moderate tackiness, and his cleats were high-top Nike Vapor Talon designs that provided ankle support during sharp cuts.

Notably, Jackson’s face mask configuration at Louisville was a mid-position single-bar titanium design, offering maximum visibility while still protecting his face from frontal impacts. This choice signaled his preference for an unobstructed field of view — a preference that would carry into the NFL.

Rookie Season (2018): Entering the NFL with Proven Protection

When the Ravens selected Jackson with the 32nd overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, he entered a league with far more rigorous safety standards and equipment regulations. For his rookie season, Jackson stuck with the Riddell Revolution Speed but switched to a clear polycarbonate visor to reduce glare during outdoor games. The NFL mandates that all helmets meet specific NOCSAE (National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment) standards, and the Revolution Speed easily cleared that bar.

His shoulder pads were upgraded to the Riddell CPT 2.0 model, which featured a more flexible front panel to improve throwing mechanics. This change was significant for Jackson, whose unique throwing style relies heavily on shoulder mobility. The CPT 2.0 also incorporated ventilation channels that helped keep him cooler during the sweltering early-season games in Baltimore.

Equipment managers noted that Jackson was particular about his glove fit: he preferred Nike Vapor Jet 4.0 gloves in the “receivers cut” with extra tack in the palm and fingers. He would often go through three or four pairs per game, swapping them out as sweat reduced grip. His cleats remained the Nike Vapor Talon series, but he switched to a low-cut version to increase ankle flexibility, a risky move that paid off given his electrifying running ability.

The Face Mask Transition

One of the more visible changes in Jackson’s rookie year was the shift to a full-cage titanium face mask. While the single-bar design had served him well at Louisville, NFL defensive linemen are larger, faster, and more aggressive. A full-cage mask provided better protection against finger strikes and helmet-to-helmet contact. The downside was a slight reduction in peripheral vision, but Jackson adapted within a few games.

Helmet Technology Leap: The Vicis Z-2 Era (2019–2020)

In 2019, Jackson made a headline-grabbing switch to the Vicis Z-2 helmet, a revolutionary design that had been rated the top-performing helmet in the NFL/NFLPA helmet safety rankings for two consecutive years. The Z-2 featured a unique “columnar structure” — essentially a series of small, deformable columns inside the helmet that flex on impact to absorb energy before it reaches the head. This design was a radical departure from traditional foam-only liners.

The Z-2 was also 15% lighter than its predecessor, the Vicis Z1, which helped reduce neck fatigue for a quarterback who is constantly looking downfield. Jackson reported that the helmet felt “more balanced” than his Riddell, and he appreciated the increased range of motion in his neck. The helmet’s sleek aesthetic, with matte black finishes and customizable face mask colors, also appealed to his sense of style.

However, the Z-2 was not without its drawbacks. Some quarterbacks complained that the columnar structure could feel “springy” on lateral impacts, and the helmet’s larger profile created a slightly different aerodynamic feel when running. Jackson countered these concerns by working closely with the Ravens’ equipment staff to dial in the fit, using custom air bladders that allowed micro-adjustments to the fit pad system.

Impact on Performance

Jackson’s 2019 MVP season coincided with his adoption of the Vicis Z-2. While correlation does not equal causation, the comfort and confidence provided by top-tier head protection likely allowed him to play more freely. He led the league with 36 passing touchdowns that season while also rushing for 1,206 yards, earning him the first unanimous MVP award since 2010. The Z-2 became an iconic part of his on-field silhouette.

The Riddell SpeedFlex Era: A Return to Familiar Ground (2021–2023)

By the 2021 season, the NFL’s helmet safety rankings had shifted again. Riddell’s SpeedFlex Precision-Fit model had dethroned Vicis at the top of the list, and Jackson made the pragmatic decision to switch back to the brand he had worn since college. The SpeedFlex featured Riddell’s signature “Flex” system — a flexible panel at the front of the helmet that absorbs energy from frontal impacts while redirecting shell deformation away from the face.

Jackson’s SpeedFlex was custom-painted in Ravens purple with matte black accents, and it featured a clear visor with anti-fog coating. One notable addition was a built-in chinstrap microphone system, which allowed him to communicate with the sideline without the need for a separate ear piece microphone. This was especially useful during no-huddle offenses when seconds mattered.

The most important technical upgrade in the SpeedFlex was the “MRI-fit” padding system. Jackson underwent a 3D facial and cranial scan that created a digital model of his unique head shape. The padding was then custom-molded to match that model, eliminating pressure points and reducing the helmet’s weight by nearly 8% compared to a standard off-the-shelf SpeedFlex.

Why Jackson Left Vicis

Industry insiders suggested that the switch was driven primarily by consistency and supply chain reliability. Vicis had gone through a period of financial restructuring, and Riddell’s established service network meant Jackson could get replacement parts and custom face masks faster. Additionally, the SpeedFlex’s auditory transparency — the ability to hear defensive backfield communication clearly — was superior in testing, a critical factor for a quarterback who needs to read pre-snap rotations.

Shoulder Pad Evolution: Balancing Protection and Mobility

Jackson’s shoulder pad journey is a case study in how modern quarterbacks are redefining protection. Early in his career, he wore traditional should pads that covered a large surface area but limited arm angle. By 2020, he had transitioned to the Riddell CPT 8.0, which featured a patented “clavicle plate” that floated over the collarbone rather than compressing it. This was a critical innovation for a runner who frequently lowers his shoulder in open-field collisions.

In 2022, Jackson began wearing the McDavid 6940 HexPad shoulder pads, which represented a complete departure from traditional designs. Instead of hard shells, the HexPad used a hexagonal lattice of impact-absorbing foam that flexed with the body. The pads reduced weight by 40 percent and allowed almost unrestricted arm movement. Critics wondered whether the hex design offered enough protection, but Jackson’s injury history — he missed only 12 games between 2018 and 2023 due to injury — suggested the trade-off was working.

Custom-Fitted Flak Jackets and Rib Protectors

Jackson adopted a Riddell Power X-Force rib protector in 2021 after a midseason hit left him with bruised ribs. The X-Force was a wrap-around vest made of compressed foam and flexible plastic plates that shielded the rib cage without restricting breathing. He wore it under his shoulder pads, with a layer of Cutters G5 compression shirt as a base layer to wick moisture. Equipment managers noted that Jackson was particular about the chest padding being “thin but stiff” — he wanted blunt-force protection without bulk that would slow his throwing motion.

Hand and Wrist Protection: Gloves, Tape, and Splints

Lamar Jackson’s glove evolution reads like a timeline of receiver glove technology. He began his NFL career with Nike Vapor Jet 4.0s but rapidly cycled through newer models as the technology advanced. In 2020, he switched to the Nike Vapor Jet 6.0, which introduced “MagGrip” technology — a micro-polymer pattern that improved ball tack in wet conditions. Jackson famously goes through multiple pairs per half, sometimes swapping gloves mid-drive if the grip begins to degrade.

For his throwing hand, Jackson wears a custom silicone finger splint on his right index finger to prevent hyperextension. The splint is molded to his finger’s exact shape and wrapped in a thin layer of elastic tape to minimize bulk. He also uses Zonnas fingertip wax on his top two fingers of his non-throwing hand to improve center-quarterback exchange grip when taking snaps under center.

The Wristband System

Like many quarterbacks, Jackson wears a vinyl wristband with a transparent overlay to hold a printed play sheet. His wristband is color-coded: red for two-minute offense, blue for standard first-and-10 calls, and green for red zone packages. The wristband is secured by a custom-length Velcro strap that prevents it from sliding over his hand during runs. While wristband use has declined league-wide as teams adopt helmet-enabled play-calling via ear piece, Jackson still prefers the tactile backup option.

Footwear: Cleats for a Dual-Threat Quarterback

The demands on Jackson’s feet are extraordinary. He must plant and throw with power, yet also accelerate, cut, and juke at running back speeds. His cleat journey reflects this dual identity. At Louisville and his early NFL years, he wore Nike Vapor Talon Elite high-tops, which provided excellent ankle stability but limited forefoot flexibility.

By 2020, he had switched to the Nike Alpha Menace Elite TD cleats, which featured a Flyknit upper for a sock-like fit and a carbon fiber plate for torsional rigidity. The plate allowed explosive push-off while the Flyknit reduced break-in time to essentially zero. Jackson wore a custom insole with a raised arch support designed by the Ravens’ foot specialists to reduce stress on his plantar fascia.

Currently, Jackson rotates between the Nike Alpha Menace Pro TD and the Under Armour Highlight MC Elite, depending on field conditions. For wet grass, he prefers the Under Armour’s longer, conical studs that shed mud better. For turf, he uses the Nike’s bladed stud pattern for better traction on artificial surfaces. Both models have a rocker bottom sole that reduces the impact of heel striking while running — a critical feature for a player who covers 100-plus yards per game on the ground.

Protective Accessories: Mouthguards, Visors, and Neck Rolls

Jackson’s mouthguard has evolved from a standard boil-and-bite model to a custom SISU Aero mouthguard that is only 1.6 millimeters thick. The SISU uses a “diamond lattice” design that absorbs impact while allowing full breathing and speaking — useful for a quarterback who calls audibles. The thin profile also prevents the lisp that thicker mouthguards can cause, a subtle but important advantage for signal clarity.

His visor is a Nike Advanced Impact Shield with a swappable tint system. Jackson uses a dark smoke tint for afternoon games to reduce glare, and a clear anti-fog version for night games or domed stadiums. The visor is held in place by quick-release magnets rather than screws, allowing him to pop it off during timeouts to clean the lens or his face.

Jackson experimented with a McDavid hex pad neck roll in 2022 but abandoned it after three games, citing restricted head rotation. Instead, he wears a thin EvoShield compression collar that provides minimal neck protection while maintaining full range of motion. The collar contains a lightweight gel pack that hardens on impact, a technology borrowed from the tactical armor industry.

The Role of Equipment in Jackson’s Unique Playing Style

Lamar Jackson is not a typical pocket passer. His style blends drop-back passing with option runs, zone reads, and designed quarterback draws. This places unique demands on his gear that a pure pocket passer like Tom Brady or Patrick Mahomes might not require. Jackson’s shoulder pads must allow his arm to whip into throwing position while also protecting him during tackles where he’s hit from the side or behind. His helmet must be light enough to prevent neck fatique over 70-plus plays yet strong enough to survive hits from 300-pound linemen.

Equipment managers across the league study Jackson’s setups because he represents the future of the quarterback position. As more mobile quarterbacks enter the NFL — Josh Allen, Jalen Hurts, Justin Fields — the gear they wear will increasingly resemble Jackson’s: lightweight, custom-fit, and optimized for both passing and running.

How Equipment Regulations Have Influenced Jackson’s Choices

The NFL’s equipment policies have evolved alongside Jackson’s career. The 2020 season saw the introduction of mandatory helmet-locking systems that prevent the face mask from separating from the shell on impact — a rule that effectively killed the traditional single-bar mask that Jackson had worn at Louisville. The 2021 season banned certain “impact-reducing” padding materials that had been used in shoulder pads and thigh pads, forcing Jackson to switch to the hex pad system. And the 2023 season introduced restrictions on tinted visors for night games, which Jackson circumvented by using his swappable visor system.

Perhaps the most significant regulation impact was the NFL’s 2022 ruling that all quarterbacks must wear a contralateral helmet locking system — a mechanical lock that prevents the helmet from twisting on the head after a blindside hit. Jackson’s Vicis Z-2 was pre-certified for the lock, but his Riddell SpeedFlex required a $200 retrofit kit. The Ravens’ equipment staff completed the retrofit during the 2022 offseason, adding under five minutes of installation time per helmet.

As of the 2025 season, Lamar Jackson remains with the Ravens and continues to refine his gear with each passing year. Several emerging technologies could reshape his equipment in the near future. Smart helmets with embedded accelerometers are being tested by multiple manufacturers — these helmets could alert medical staff to potentially concussive impacts in real time. Jackson has expressed cautious interest, but concerns about data privacy and false alarms keep the technology from being game-ready.

3D-printed padding is another promising area. Researchers at the University of Colorado have developed lattice-pattern padding that can be tuned to specific impact zones — softer for rotational compliance, stiffer for direct linear hits. Custom 3D-printed shoulder pads could be generated from Jackson’s body scans within hours, offering a level of personalization that is currently impossible with molded foam. Industry analysts predict that 3D-printed quadrants will be available for NFL players as early as the 2026 season.

Augmented reality visors remain a speculative but intriguing possibility. If the NFL would allow them, a quarterback could see play calls, defensive alignments, or route trees projected onto the visor surface. Jackson has not publicly commented on AR visors, but the technology is advancing rapidly in the consumer electronics space. The NFL’s competition committee would need to weigh the competitive advantage against fairness concerns before approving such systems.

Finally, equipment sustainability is becoming a factor. Jackson has partnered with Riddell’s Next Gen program to test recycled-content helmet shells made from post-consumer polymers. Early prototypes are heavier than current models, but Riddell projects that weight parity will be achieved within two years. For a player with Jackson’s platform, being an early adopter of sustainable gear could have broader cultural impact beyond the field.

The Business of Gear: Endorsements and Brand Relationships

Lamar Jackson has endorsement deals with both Nike and Riddell, though the financial details are not publicly disclosed. His relationship with Nike is particularly deep — he is a consistent wearer of the Nike Vapor Jet glove line, and Nike’s designers have consulted with him on cleat fit for the Alpha Menace series. Ravens equipment staff note that Jackson receives new glove prototypes every three months, often testing colors and materials that are still in the research phase.

His helmet partnership with Riddell is more utilitarian than promotional — he is not paid specifically to wear a Riddell brand, but he receives custom-fit service and priority access to new models. This is a common arrangement for star quarterbacks; the equipment manufacturer gets visibility during broadcasts while the player gets optimal gear at no cost. For Jackson, the freedom to switch to a non-sponsored competitor like Vicis or Schutt shows that performance and fit ultimately trump endorsement contracts.

Conclusion: The Equipment Behind the Superstar

The evolution of Lamar Jackson’s helmet and gear is more than a chronicle of brand switches and technological upgrades — it is the story of how a uniquely talented athlete has worked with engineers, equipment managers, and manufacturers to create a personal protective ecosystem. From the Riddell Revolution Speed he wore as a college freshman to the custom-fit SpeedFlex he wears today, each piece of gear has been chosen, tested, and refined to support his extraordinary playing style.

Jackson’s willingness to adopt new materials — columnar foam, hex pads, Flyknit uppers — while maintaining skepticism toward unproven technologies shows a calculated approach to equipment that mirrors his deliberate play on the field. As NFL safety standards tighten and position-specific designs become more sophisticated, the gear worn by quarterbacks like Lamar Jackson will set the template for the next generation of players. The helmets and pads of today would be almost unrecognizable to a player from the 1990s, and the gear Jackson will wear in another five years may look just as alien to today’s fans. What will not change is the fundamental purpose: to protect a one-of-a-kind talent while freeing him to perform at his peak.

Riddell SpeedFlex Precision-Fit Helmet Overview

Nike Alpha Menace Pro TD Cleats

SISU Aero Custom Mouthguard

NFL Helmet Safety Rankings on ESPN