Michigan Winged Helmet

Who was responsible for designing the helmets for the U-M football team?

Michigan’s famed winged helmet dates back to 1938, when Fritz Crisler arrived from Princeton University with his penchant for detail and style. “Michigan had a plain black helmet and we wanted to dress it up a little,” Fritz recalled. “We added some color (maize and blue) and used the same basic helmet I had designed at Princeton.”

There was one other consideration. Fritz thought this unique helmet could help his passers as they tried to spot their receivers downfield. “There was a tendency to use different-colored helmets just for receivers in those days, but I always thought that would be as helpful for the defense as for the offense,” offered the former Wolverine football coach and athletic director.