NFL helmets may look a little different in 2020 with a face shield to help protect players against the coronavirus. Even before the pandemic, helmets are a marvel of technology and really, are taken for granted these days. In fact, through the NFL’s first 20 years – and football’s roots date back much farther than that – not everyone wore a helmet.
The last to do so was a Pittsburgh Steeler, although his time in the Steel City is just a brief note of his resume. Eggs Manske (real name Edgar, we can all agree Eggs is infinitely better) was the last player to play without a helmet, including during his stint with the Steelers during the 1938 season.