How the uniforms and equipment of NFL players have changed over the past 50 years - Miami Dolphins

How the uniforms and equipment of NFL players have changed over the past 50 years - Miami Dolphins

Back in the 1970s, stepping onto an NFL field meant relying on gear that would seem laughably inadequate today. Helmets were often little more than hardened shells with minimal padding, leaving players dangerously exposed. Shoulder pads were bulky but provided limited shock absorption, and gloves were mostly optional, offering little grip or protection. The physical demands of the game were high, but the protective gear hadn’t caught up yet. Thi…