Vikings CB Spotted in Bizarre New Helmet Design
The Minnesota Vikings signed cornerback Isaiah Rodgers in March, the team’s very first free-agent newcomer signing of 2025.
Vikings CB Isaiah Rodgers turned heads on Instagram with a bizarre custom helmet — but is it a signal for the future or just for fun? Here’s what to know.
Rodgers is trending to start for the 2025 club, as his coaches have pounded the table for his offseason acclimation to date.
He also showed off a wild new Vikings helmet design last week — in living color on Instagram.
Vikings CB Isaiah Rodgers Shows off Custom Black Helmet on Instagram
The newcomer used Instagram for Vikings-themed photos last week, and one, in particular, grabbed fans’ attention.
The picture reveals a helmet Minnesota has never worn before, so when fans got a peek, they wondered if it was a teaser for 2025 and beyond. In short, it’s just a custom helmet built by a notable fan designer. Rodgers did not purposely or accidentally spill the beans.
Why Isaiah Rodgers’ Helmet Piqued Fans’ Attention
The Black Helmet Backstory
The helmet’s creator? Preston Battle, who describes himself as a “Husband, Father, Helmet Guy. Football Fan, Gear Collector & Uniform Enthusiast.”
After Rodgers signed in Minnesota, Preston posted a video of his helmet design featuring the specific one worn by Rodgers in the Instagram photo.
Preston wrote, “My guy Isaiah just got picked up by Minnesota, so you know I had to get him right w a custom Vikings concept helmet for his collection 🙌 He wanted a matte black shell but gave me creative freedom to do the rest – so check out what I came up with!”
“Two different looks, one helmet- a blackout setup with a chrome purple mask, or a “league legal” setup (white bumpers + white chinstrap) and a white mask. What do you all think? Which setup do you guys like best?? Appreciate another opportunity as always to hook my brother up, he’s gonna make waves in MN!”
You can watch the video here.
Enjoying the White “Winter Warrior” Threads for Now
Last season, after much anticipation, Minnesota unveiled “Winter Warrior” uniforms, notably showcasing a white helmet, the club’s first time deviating from its traditional solid purple look.
The uniforms received rave reviews from Vikings fans and NFL observers and are believed to be a new mainstay in the franchise’s uniform routine. That is — at least one time per year, Minnesota will likely wear the all-whites.
The black helmet, on the other hand, is merely a hobbyist’s prototype.
A Willingness to Try New Things
For about a half-decade, Vikings enthusiasts watched as other squads rolled out nifty helmet alternatives while Minnesota seemed to be reluctant to take the plunge. That all changed with the Winter Warrior project.
The black helmet may not be on the way anytime soon, but that’s also what skeptics said about the white helmets — until Mark and Zygi Wilf finally signed off. Giving the black helmets a run down the road cannot be ruled out.
More Context on Black Helmets
The Viking Age‘s Adam Carlson wrote about Rodgers’ helmet reveal last week, “The helmet appears to be black matte with the Vikings’ horn on the side, a white facemask, and a sweet visor to make him look even more stylish. While that look is amazing, it sadly isn’t something the team is currently expected to use in a game.”
“Wouldn’t it be fun to see the Vikings embrace a big night game by wearing blackout uniforms for a game? Although the current uniforms for Minnesota look great and they have options for alternate uniforms, something new and unique could help bring some excitement to the look and give fans another option when buying merchandise.”
Other clubs, like the New York Jets and Carolina Panthers, have ventured into the black helmet business. Minnesota would not quite be a visionary in the project.
Carlson concluded, “Although a black matte Minnesota Vikings helmet isn’t likely to be worn for a game anytime soon, it is fun to think about some of the looks the team could offer if they decide to add another alternate look to their options.”
Rodgers is expected to start for the 2025 Vikings next to Byron Murphy Jr., although cornerbacks Mekhi Blackmon, Jeff Okudah, and Dwight McGlothern will be hungry for snaps, too.
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