 Oklahoma football is instantly recognizable to
fans across the country by the familiar crimson helmet
bedecked with interlocking white OU logos. But how
did the Sooners come to wear this helmet?
Oklahoma has worn a version of the crimson helmet with
OU logo since the 1966 season. Prior to 1966, the Sooners
sported white helmets with a single crimson stripe
down the center with crimson numerals on both sides
(1957-65) and the same helmet without the numerals
(1946-56).
The crimson on the OU helmet was updated with a richer,
metallic paint for the 2000 season. The Sooners celebrated
by winning the school's seventh national championship.
This was the helmet of Josh Heupel, Rocky Calmus, Roy
Williams, Jammal Brown, Jason White and Adrian Peterson.
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1976-1999 (24 Seasons)
The red was darkened to crimson for
1976 while facemasks were standardized to
white. The Sooners wore a version of this helmet for
24 seasons including the 1985 national championship.
This was the helmet of Billy Sims, Tony Casillas, Brian
Bosworth and Keith Jackson. |
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1967-1975 (Nine Seasons)
The OU logo was modified from its rounded form to the
familiar block version used today. Players wore a mix
of white and gray facemasks. The Sooners wore this
helmet for the Game of the Century (1971 vs. Nebraska)
and two national championship seasons (1974, 1975). |
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1966 (One Season)
The famous interlocking "OU" logo made its first appearance
on red helmets during head coach Jim Mackenzie's debut
in 1966. The logo was rounder than the current block
version used today. Mackenzie also added white "NCAA
style" two-inch player numerals on
the back of the helmet. |
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1957-1965 (Nine Seasons)
Red numerals were added reflecting the players' numbers
on both sides of the white helmet. The Sooners won
four conference titles wearing this helmet. Major players
during this era included Clendon Thomas, Bill Krisher,
Bob Harrison, Jerry Thompson, Ralph Neely and Carl
McAdams. |
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1946-1956 (11 Seasons)
The first modern OU helmet was introduced
in Oklahoma's first full season following World War
II. The classic helmet was white with a single red
stripe down the center. The Sooners won three national
championships (1950, 1955, 1956) and 11 conference
titles wearing this helmet. |
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OU
Football Tradition
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