Helmet Award Stickers

How Small Helmet Stickers Kicked Off

It was 1965, and a young coach and veteran of World War II named Jim Young came up with a way to incentivize his players at Miami University of Ohio. As a fighter pilot, Jim remembered decorating his plane with small stickers to mark each successful mission. Why not use the same strategy with his football players? He began adding award stickers for football helmets as an "attaboy" for big plays. The team loved his idea, and it really took off. Since then, the practice has spread to many other collegiate teams–not to mention high school-aged players (and younger).

What Helmet Reward Stickers Symbolize

Football award stickers may be given to a player for several reasons. Typically, helmet reward stickers symbolize an amazing play, like making a touchdown, kicking the winning field goal or sacking the quarterback for a critical play in the game. Some teams award outstanding plays in practice with small helmet stickers. Other coaches may recognize a player for their leadership. Off the field, players have been honored with personalized helmet decals for community service or achievements in their personal or academic lives.

Taking Pride in Football Award Stickers

While helmet award decals are the perfect way to recognize individual team players, they are also great to use as classroom incentives and fundraisers in school bookstores. Students love to represent their school with stickers that feature their team's colors. Another clever idea is to give students a paper football helmet and add helmet award decals for teamwork when they complete a group assignment or help one another in the classroom.