Early Days (1930s-1950s):

✦ Simple leather lids with minimal markings - just the letter "A" or "Auburn" painted in block letters.

✦ Transition to plastic shells in the 1940s introduced orange, navy, and white variations, but designs remained basic.

Birth of the Northwestern Stripes (1956-1965):

✦ In 1956, the iconic navy-orange-navy Northwestern Stripes debuted, coinciding with a new white jersey design.

✦ This bold change symbolized a new era of style and signaled Auburn's arrival as a national contender.

✦ The helmets, paired with Pat Dye's "Wishbone Offense," became synonymous with Auburn's dominant 1970s teams.

Modern Tweaks and Refinements (1970s-Present):

✦ The Northwestern Stripes remained the primary design, undergoing subtle changes like stripe width adjustments and font variations.

✦ Alternate helmets emerged for special occasions, honoring legends like Pat Sullivan or showcasing unique patterns.

✦ The current helmet features a slightly bolder stripe combination and a sharper "AU" logo, retaining the classic identity while embracing a modern touch.