How to convert an NFL replica helmet into an authentic helmet - plus building Joe Theismann's helmet

In this video I show you to convert your plain looking NFL replica helmet into an authentic helmet that you can actually wear - all you need is some cheap spare parts from ebay and some good old fashioned creativity!
In part two of this vlog, I show you how to build a custom replica of the football helmet of Joe Theismann, legendary NFL quarterback for the Washington Redskins!

[@ChunkyJo]

Seeing you in your helmet almost falling over your eyes as you yell random football words and whipping your head back and forth made you look exactly like a 10 year old in his room playing in front of the mirror gave me such a big smile. Thank you for that and thank you for the idea to convert my replica helmet!

[@evancortez2]

What can I say, I'm a kid at heart

[@ericjacobs6016]

Love your work hopefully one day soon we'll get our Redskins back I'm a die-hard fan from birth also!

[@evancortez2]

HTTR!

[@vigs76]

This helped a lot with my son who wanted to have a real helmet but I didn't have enough so thank you so much

[@evancortez2]

Thanks! Glad I could help!

[@bostonbanks6221]

Is this the mini speed helmet

[@Rylancass28]

@@bostonbanks6221No it’s a replica speed, the mini speed is so small you can barley fit it on a teddy bear

[@dustinlensch722]

​@@evancortez2 hey man I was wondering are you able to tighten the chinstrap or is it kinda loose no matter what since it's a replica

[@yvngcurlyy-4238]

came across this video randomly but I ended up enjoying it. Young fb player here love from NYC❤️🖤

[@evancortez2]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@noesaenz4142]

I got the same helmet when the name was changed to football team and just wanted to be able to wear it and have it for display now I can just take out the drum and throw it on, always had a hunch I could but was worried of damaging it, thank you for confirming it for me 👍🏾

[@evancortez2]

No problem, glad to help

[@RyZeSnipez1]

This is really cool, I ordered a white vapor elite jersey, with men’s bucs game tights that will go over football pads and a buccaneers helmet and I plan on doing this to the helmet.

[@evancortez2]

Great! Glad to be of assistance!

[@saulgoodman2912]

Cool

[@Hcaz49]

Thank you!! Also can you still wear it without all the pads? Like when you remove the black top thing can you wear it?

[@evancortez2]

Well yeah but it'll be loose and move around a lot on your head

[@Hcaz49]

@@evancortez2 ok. Thanks! This helped a lot

[@PlanetImo]

I like that cushion with the horse on.

[@evancortez2]

Thanks! It was locally made here in Virginia - gotta represent! :)

[@HeavenReservation]

Well done!

[@evancortez2]

Thanks!

[@jrock3661]

Any chance you’d be willing to take the time to provide an itemized list of the specific pads/size you purchased. Did a brief google search for riddell speed and there seems to be a lot of options. Either way, love the video and this what I’ve been looking for for a long time! Thanks!

[@evancortez2]

You're welcome! Glad I could help!

[@IntroduceMeToYoDad69]

Lol. I think that’s his way of saying no 😂

[@rayodfilms]

Can you make a vid of installing a visor in it?

[@evancortez2]

Perhaps in the future

[@efrainSRT]

Great video hope i can do this to my niner replica soon, you should get a visor to make it even better

[@evancortez2]

That would be cool!

[@daniduality1550]

How did you remove the black drum thingy that blocks the helmet from being worn? Or does it just easily come out? I’m thinking of buying one & converting it like you did.

[@evancortez2]

There's one screw in the back and two in the front that attach it to the helmet

[@Jimmycozad1980]

I had to do this with an old revo Helmet. I remember back in 2014 when I got a replica Dolphins Ridell speed Helmet when replica helmets actually had all the pads in them and could be worn. Sad they stopped doing this.

[@evancortez2]

Yes indeed, replica helmet were nicer back in the day, now it's all about cutting costs

[@Jimmycozad1980]

@@evancortez2 They are the same price now as they were when I got that helmet. It now more price less quality

[@joshnihiser296]

Hey there! I love this video and am trying to do the same thing with my Bengals helmet. Were there specific size pads that you bought? I found some of the back pads on eBay, but they were a Medium size, so I wasn’t sure which size to look for. Thanks!

[@evancortez2]

Doesn't matter to me, padding is flexible enough I can adjust it

[@TheOfficialValor]

Sweet video!!

[@evancortez2]

Thanks!

[@Not_Ocho8]

Wow that’s awesome

[@evancortez2]

Thanks!

[@strekzy2109]

Hey you got any links to the padding? looking to convert my eagles speed replica to an authentic.

[@fever122]

How’d you Put the Back Head padding in? You used Velcro but does it just stick or did you put the other side of velcro on?

[@evancortez2]

Yes I used both sides

[@larryhmiller5336]

Hey my guy this is awesome, I was wondering(I have a urlacher signed eclipse replica) if the padding size would be the same? Also what padding would you recommend

[@evancortez2]

padding size is about medium to large and I'd recommend Riddell Speed padding

[@jeffwarren1046]

@@evancortez2 is the padding hard to find? I’m having trouble locating

[@esgberg3524]

@@jeffwarren1046 same let me know if you find any

[@Rylancass28]

@@jeffwarren1046EBay has some

[@skullyx6462]

This is really cool I’m gunna do the same thing with my replica unc tarheels helmet 👍

[@evancortez2]

Let us know how it goes!

[@chrisakacwill]

I have a UNC Tar Heels replica and a NY Giants authentic.

[@skullyx6462]

Nice

[@Babyburns]

What website did you find all the internal padding? And how much was the inside padding? Im currently making my replica into a wearable helmet to wear at games but I don’t know where to get the inside pieces and the ones I’m finding online I can’t tell if they will work or if they are even for football helmets

[@evancortez2]

I found them mostly on ebay - did a search for "Riddell Speed Padding"

[@stopmotionerafilms2550]

so does the black drum always come out on all replicas? or is it just certain models?

[@evancortez2]

I know the speed replicas have them, but not the VSR4's

[@suchairman2]

I just received a NCAA RIddelll Speed helmet replica. I Have watched your video about 10-12 times. Love the customization, however i have been searching Ebay for DAYS trying to find the interior padding. i managed to run across the crown pad (i think it'll fit). But i am having ZERO luck finding those strips of pads that go from the ear, around the rear of the helmet, to the other ear. I've typed in Riddell Helmet Pads/Padding is about every word combination i can. Im having no luck pulling those sets of pads up. Can you help? I really want to make sure I'm ordering the right parts because most of this stuff is non returnable. I also dont want to attempt to disassemble the no wear drum if i cannot get the replacement parts. Any additional help on how to locate those side/rear pads would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much for the video.

[@evancortez2]

Sometimes ebay has it, sometimes it doesn't - it's hit or miss

[@rustyg9215]

Can’t get the padding in the UK so was going to cut some self adhesive foam. How thick is the padding in mm?

[@evancortez2]

I would say about 1 inch, or 25 mm

[@pacolopez489]

Hello Nice Job!! Could You please share the part numbers of the pads, SIDE,front, and lateral.

[@evancortez2]

I didn't know the part numbers, it just looked like it would fit

[@pacolopez489]

@@evancortez2 ,just one more questiion the jaw pads,and the fsce mask. Are real?? What size of the shield is lLarge?, X large?, It seems like ABS plástic or it is poly carbonate?

[@evancortez2]

The jaw pads and face mask are the ones that came with the helmet, I didn't swap them out for different ones - what is the shield?

[@Washington-ftbl]

Can you please tell me how you got the padding for inside the helmet please and go skins🤞🏽

[@evancortez2]

ebay

[@Dr1zouuu]

Why did you type to find your pads for the helmet and what size as just bought a ravens replica and want to upgrade to one I can wear

[@evancortez2]

Riddell Speed padding or pads - no specific size

[@Boswd]

Love this

[@evancortez2]

Thanks!

[@geeked-outturtlesfan4288]

Can you please tell me what kind of padding you got from ebay. I want to know the brand and the specific name for the padding (if there is one) so I can properly get the right ones. I'm also thinking about turning my helmet into a authentic wearable helmet only when I watch games (not to use to play). Thanks

[@evancortez2]

The brand is Riddell and it's padding for a Riddell Speed

[@jadenwilliams2863]

Lmaoo watching games I’m a helmet? Are u sped buddy?😂😭😭

[@hunna_8]

what size pads would you recommend for the helmet since they only really have one size for replicas

[@evancortez2]

small to medium I'm pretty sure would fit - but large would fit too if you really squeeze it in there or cut it

[@connorhicks8005]

Got a question, what size padding do you get for the helmet as I have no clue what size the helmet is

[@evancortez2]

I don't know what the size is, I just ordered one on ebay and it fit, but if it didn't I would just just make it fit

[@connorhicks8005]

@@evancortez2 I figured, thank you for the info !!

[@nightmare6501]

How do you take the plastic riddel piece out. On the back of the helmet there is this piece I can’t get out. Thank you!

[@evancortez2]

It's held on by two screws in the front and a small one way screw in the back - you can unscrew the one way screw with pliers

[@2ukidz64]

So what and where are your getting the padding for the speed replica helmet? Cause I know the holes on authentic are farther apart so where do you get pads that match up to the speed replica helmets?

[@evancortez2]

I get them on ebay - I just stick the pads on with industrial strength double sided tape

[@2ukidz64]

@@evancortez2 where on ebay? Cause I tired looking and can find any new in good shape front pad.. all the front pads the ridell is rubbed off.. also do the holes match up with youth pads? Cause I know authentic helmets the holes for the front oad/facemask are wider

[@evancortez2]

Sometimes on ebay you have to get lucky, the good ones are bought quickly, so you have to check all the time - the holes are slightly different in authentic helmets so you have to make new holes, it won't show anyway when you have it completed

[@williammartin8783]

Could you use other padding then the riddell speed flex padding ? Possibly something a bit cheaper

[@evancortez2]

I never thought of that, but you probably could, with a little adjusting and fitting.

[@williammartin8783]

@@evancortez2 thanks. Great video really helpful

[@marekzgamingandsportscente8343]

Where do I get the padding for the helmets ? Do you have a link ?

[@evancortez2]

I get them on ebay - just do a search for riddell speed padding

[@troztruong764]

Hello, can you wear it with the face mask without the drum, because i see that the face mask is held by the screws and the drum.

[@evancortez2]

Yes you have to unscrew the two screws in front to take off the drum, but then just screw it back in again without the drum and it's good to go

[@troztruong764]

@@evancortez2 Thank you soo much, have a nice christmas!

[@ivangarcia6816]

Now what size of the crown and front bumper did you get for the helmet ?

[@evancortez2]

I believe it was large

[@rebelrhodes]

Hi Evan, what size are pads that you buy?

[@evancortez2]

Sometimes medium, sometimes large - I can always make it fit anyway

[@botprod]

i got a helmet that is a little to small so i might get a rep bulid from green gridiron n just add the paddin for practice use👍🏻

[@evancortez2]

Green gridiron is a good company

[@abstractheory1]

Are you talking about using a replica with pads to use in real football practice? Yikes!

[@BlueRasberry13]

Is the outside of the helmet the same material as an authentic one?

[@evancortez2]

it seems like it

[@hlubibtiam2329]

Where do I get the shield and the flag logo? Where do I get the pads? I have a packers helmet want to do a conversion

[@evancortez2]

I got everything on ebay

[@squeezy1985]

Thank you how much did pads/conversion cost?

[@evancortez2]

Around 30 to 40 dollars or so

[@shamrazak311]

hi there.. what sizes are your ridel pads? will a size L pads fit the replicas. im planning to install them on my replica speed philadelphia helmets..

[@evancortez2]

it should - padding is kinda flexible anyway so if you stretch and manipulate it around a bit, it should fit

[@shamrazak311]

@@evancortez2 Thank you for the kind reply.. your video inspires me to do that modifications on the Replica Helmets.. appreciate your kindness😃

[@evancortez2]

@@shamrazak311 Youre welcome!

[@esgberg3524]

I just want to be able to wear it does it work fine if I take out the black cover and I don’t put in pads?

[@evancortez2]

It'll be really loose, unless you have a really big head

[@esgberg3524]

@@evancortez2oh ok I’m going to try it out and see how it feels before buying pads and stuff thanks!!

[@esgberg3524]

Do you have any recommendations for other helmet pads because I cannot find any speed pads?

[@evancortez2]

Riddell Revolution pads might work too

[@esgberg3524]

@@evancortez2 ok thank you I’ll look for them are they easier to get?

[@evancortez2]

@@esgberg3524 I think so

[@esgberg3524]

@@evancortez2 thank you I’ll look into getting them

[@ricardosoto1442]

Nice thanks

[@evancortez2]

No problem

[@Dr1zouuu]

Is it easy to take plastic out because I’ve seen video saying you can’t take it out because of screws in the back

[@evancortez2]

It was easy for me :)

[@Dr1zouuu]

@@evancortez2 ok it’s just I bought my first one yesterday and it’s coming in 2 weeks

[@jaimefranco2953]

I just came across your helmet on Ebay

[@VisionzTrue]

how did you get the right size for your head

[@evancortez2]

I have a pretty average size head, I knew a medium or large would work

[@fatbongripz4207]

are you allowed to wear these in NFL games? like as a fan or will they tell you you cant wear it

[@evancortez2]

Sure you can

[@brodys2903]

What size is the front pad is it a 3-1?

[@evancortez2]

Not sure - I just went with what looked right and thankfully it fit

[@dababy69god92]

Is there a video that tells you how to remove that black thing on the replica helmet? If so could you send me a link please. Thanks.

[@evancortez2]

I believe I showed it in this video

[@dababy69god92]

@@evancortez2 never mind I took out the black thing out with my dad but thank you

[@riverfaver4441]

How much in all did the pads cost you

[@evancortez2]

I would say around 35 bucks?

[@Acelespaul]

Is the shell of the replica a real (NFL) Helmet shell? Thanks

[@evancortez2]

I doubt it

[@LogicSword3675]

What's your hat size? Is the helmet pretty big?

[@evancortez2]

I wear a 7 1/4 hat, the helmet is about a size large

[@Dr1zouuu]

What did you type in on eBay to find the pads

[@evancortez2]

Riddell Speed padding or pads

[@matthewroca1]

Do you have the links of the paddings?

[@evancortez2]

I just did a search on ebay

[@timadams6745]

When u go to your buddies house to watch the games , wear your jersey and helmet and enjoy the festivities

[@evancortez2]

will do!

[@OscarGonzalez-fc6ru]

How many total pieces padings inside? Front, back, crown? Thanks!

[@evancortez2]

3 pieces - the crown, front bumper and side piece. Don't need the cheek pads since it already has it, but if you want authentic cheek pads those are two more pieces

[@OscarGonzalez-fc6ru]

@@evancortez2 thank you for the info! And Go Cowboys 😉

[@thatkiddalton]

Dose anyone know where i can find the padding for the helmet

[@BinskAndSmackers]

eBay, idk what size

[@princejay5]

Can you still put a visor on it

[@evancortez2]

Yes you can

[@l_more6929]

Where did order the inside pads?

[@evancortez2]

Ebay

[@l_more6929]

What was the size of the back pad of helmet??

[@nhlmanup]

Was wondering if paint cracked off on padding after wearing it

[@evancortez2]

No it doesn't, I use paint made for vinyl & fabric, but I don't wear it anyway, it's mainly for display

[@nhlmanup]

Did you sand them or scuff in anyway,or did you just paint them? I bought the color I needed and same spray can you used , going to being painting pads some time next week maybe I'll put up video too

[@outplushed]

where can you get the pads?

[@evancortez2]

ebay

[@liamelder7042]

What size padding did u put in it? I’m building one as well. (Youth padding, adult medium, adult large?)

[@evancortez2]

youth padding that I painted white - it fits

[@Gamingwithenzo]

Thank you my nephew wanted a real helmet but he wanted the eagles and I didn’t find it elsewhere so I got the replica

[@evancortez2]

Sounds great!

[@VV_Skins]

Nice

[@evancortez2]

Thanks!

[@chengbros6101]

Joe thismen is like who stole my helmet

[@cjmillerjr7365]

Does it feels Tight or no or kinda

[@evancortez2]

Fits just right!

[@cjmillerjr7365]

@@evancortez2 ok thank you 😊

[@bryanwhittle77]

The best looking helmet in the NFL , to bad they got cancelled.

[@evancortez2]

One of the first victims of cancel culture

[@realforgedinsteel]

This is genius.

[@evancortez2]

Thanks!

[@greenrobot5]

Is the facemask really metal like a real helmet or is it plastic?

[@evancortez2]

On these replicas, it is plastic

[@greenrobot5]

@@evancortez2 that's sad. Thanks for the info

[@RelTheKing]

Is the shell polycarbonate?

[@evancortez2]

I think so

[@MVPAT]

Where did you get the pads?

[@evancortez2]

ebay

[@MVPAT]

@@evancortez2thanks

[@javierbahena4736]

Where did you buy your pads because I’m building one like you

[@evancortez2]

I got them on ebay - just do an ebay search for riddell speed padding

[@javierbahena4736]

@@evancortez2 thanks

[@Johnbanjo5]

will a Riddell Youth Revolution Speed CLASSIC fit a replica helmet?

[@Johnbanjo5]

or is it too small

[@evancortez2]

It should - that's what I used

[@PlanetImo]

I thought that chin strap was a very small pair of underpants at first...

[@evancortez2]

I guess a really tiny person could wear it :)

[@ruze_boi5544]

Wait could the black drum just come off?

[@evancortez2]

you have to unscrew two regular screws up front and a one way screw in the back

[@cjmillerjr7365]

Are allowed too were those helmets ???

[@evancortez2]

Not in an actual football game - just for fun, like cosplay or halloween

[@cjmillerjr7365]

Ok thank you 😊

[@alexandergames6210]

What are the measurements of the helmet?

[@evancortez2]

It's about a size 7 1/4

[@gtrscort1]

Curious how much this all cost considering you can an authentic speed helmet for $340.

[@evancortez2]

the joy is in the building

[@GerardGoBills]

How muck was it

[@ozgurkyat4822]

Hail from Istanbul

[@evancortez2]

Hail!

[@Jacobbenavidess]

Hail to the redskins!

[@evancortez2]

Hail to the Redskins!

[@Cianwiser2023]

Im getting a joe theismann replica jersey for my 20th birthday

[@evancortez2]

That's awesome!

[@duzzy1259]

GOOOOOOO SKINSS.

[@evancortez2]

Hail to the Redskins!

[@josephsantiago4391]

First off let’s go redskins second do you think you can post the link for the padding you used ?

[@evancortez2]

I don't have the original link any more, but you can just to ebay and do a search for Riddell Speed padding

[@josephsantiago4391]

@@evancortez2 okay thanks

[@LaCatHTF]

Those helmets are also really thin. Authentic helmets are way more thicker.

[@evancortez2]

You can't really tell from the outside

[@LaCatHTF]

@@evancortez2 lol you got that right! I think you did a great job by the way!

[@evancortez2]

Thanks!

[@jimmyonthecorner]

You didn’t replace the fake jaw pads

[@evancortez2]

nah they were fine

[@bkj1796]

WOOO GO STEELERS! N CHIEFS! Nice job on working on your helmet!

[@bkj1796]

Also, who is your helmet signed by?

[@evancortez2]

Thanks! Glad you liked it!

[@evancortez2]

It had a Derrius Giuce autograph but I erased it

[@GerardGoBills]

*much*

[@meljenkins1016]

REDSKINS..........NOT COMMANDERS............REDSKINS FOREVER !!!

[@evancortez2]

HTTR!

[@robwilliams730]

I hope you realize a real helmet is made with polycarbonate, and a replica helmet is made with cheap plastic. Someone will get killed doing this

[@evancortez2]

Nobody's gonna play in an actual game with a replica helmet, it's only for display or cosplay

[@robwilliams730]

@@evancortez2 people are not very bright... You're old enough to know why we have to have warning labels on half the shit we do LOL but yes there are people who think the replica shells are the same quality material used as real helmets, and as you should already know they are not