If, oddly, you happen to be a fan of both helmet swag and nostalgia, then you’ve come to the right place.
On Saturday, when Illinois (4-1) hosts Purdue (1-4) in Champaign, Illinois, at 2:30 p.m. CT, fashion-conscious fans will be treated to retro-look headgear for the Illini players. The idea: Celebrate bygone but beloved eras of Illinois football and the upcoming 100th anniversary of Memorial Stadium while also making the program some extra dough. (The game-worn throwback helmets are being sold to I FUND and Varsity I members, as well as the general public – if supplies remain.)
The official team website describes this week’s Four Stars helmets thusly: “Famously worn during Dick Butkus’ years at Illinois, the Fighting Illini wore versions of the four-star helmets from 1962-68. Players’ numbers were featured under the four stars, and the helmet donned a gray facemask with white-blue-white center stripes.”
We can think of another description:
Sweet.
The Illini have already worn three different throwback helmet versions for 2024 home games – the Block I, the Underlined Illini and the Arched Illini – and have two more variations on the way. (Players will wear the Block I helmet again for the Nov. 16 home finale against Michigan State,)
For the remainder of this Illini season – including a real treat for next week’s 100th anniversary commemoration against Michigan – home is where the helmet is.
NFL Week 5 Overreactions: Ravens are back, Bills playoff hopes are dwindlingSports Seriously’s Mackenzie Salmon ‘overreacts’ to the biggest storylines fro
Video: Kirk Ferentz discusses departures of Kaleb Brown, Leshon WilliamsKirk Ferentz discusses a variety of topics ahead of Iowa's matchup with Washington.IOWA
For those attending the game in Athens this Saturday, here is what you can expect from the weather.The Georgia Bulldogs are set to continue their SEC gauntlet t
US LBM Coaches Poll: Texas remains No. 1, Alabama slides after loss to VanderbiltThe US LBM Coaches is out and it reflects what was a wild week 6 in college foo