The chrome helmet that defined Baylor football’s championship runs returns with a new look for big games, beginning with the season opener against Auburn.
WACO, Texas — They’re back.
Baylor University announced the return of the chrome helmet, worn from 2013 through the 2017 season, on Aug. 14, sparking excitement for the 2025 season that kicks off Friday, Aug. 29 at McLane Stadium in Waco against Auburn.
But the helmet isn’t just a piece of nostalgia.
When the Baylor Bears donned the chromatic helmets regularly, it was during the height of Baylor football. A period of time that featured back-to-back Big 12 championships, four straight bowl appearances and an offense led by future NFL stars like Robert Griffin III, Josh Gordon and Xavien Howard.
On Saturday, members of the Baylor football program and the Athletics office discussed the significance of the chrome helmet.
Baylor Bears Head Coach Dave Aranda was not leading the Bears onto the field at that time, but he understands the legacy attached to the helmet.
“I think it’s way cool. I think in the same vein, when we walked into that new facility, we need to win. This isn’t given to losers. We need to win and I feel the same with the helmet,” Aranda said.
Baylor Deputy Athletics Director and Chief Operating Officer Jovan Overshown described the helmet as having been a part of “big moments.”
“[It’s special] recognizing how powerful that helmet was from a championship caliber, celebration icon piece that not even just the team, but the fans were wonderful during that time [also],” Overshown said.
The chrome helmets were worn in nine games during their original run, including a 73-42 win over West Virginia in their 2013 debut, a 61-58 victory over TCU and a 38-27 league-clinching win against Kansas State in 2014. The Bears last wore them on Nov. 11, 2017, against Texas Tech.
Lubbock native and projected starting quarterback Sawyer Robertson is excited about the opportunity to wear the chrome helmet.
It’s crazy. I wasn’t expecting it for sure. I remember watching [Bryce Petty] and all those guys play in them, it’s kinda a full circle moment,” he said, grinning on Saturday afternoon.
Overshown explained that the athletics department went through many color samples before making a final decision.
“The undertone is quite different. It’s brighter, It’s more punchy and it better aligns with our current brand palette so that’s the main thing. You’ll see it sparkle under the lights, and it is pretty reflective,” Overshown explained.
The Bears will not wear the chrome helmets every week. Instead, they will be for big matchups, including the home and season opener against Auburn.
In the press release that announced the return of the chrome sent out by Baylor Athletics on Aug. 14, Overshown wrote the helmet “has been a secret passion project for a couple of years now. We wanted the perfect look and perfect moment — one that nods to the storied success of those who wore the chrome before us, while giving it a modern, refined edge that captures the energy and expectation of today and the future.”