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Jamison Hensley, ESPN Staff Writer
OWINGS MILLS, Md. — The Baltimore Ravens revealed their “Purple Rising” alternate helmets Tuesday.
This marks the Ravens’ first new helmet in 25 years.
“It’s badass, man,” Pro Bowl tight end Mark Andrews said in a video showing his first reaction to the helmet.
The alternate helmet includes metallic purple paint, a gold face mask and gold talon stripes down the center. The forward-facing bird logo is best known for its red eyes that adorn the player entrance tunnel at M&T Bank Stadium.
The Ravens will debut the helmet with their color rush uniform in one game this season, which will be announced later this year.
Baltimore senior vice president of marketing Brad Downs said on “The Lounge” podcast that the helmet has been under discussion for years.
“We pay attention to all of that feedback from the fans, to really try to land on something they’re going to love,” Downs said. “I’ve been waiting for this day for a long time. We know our fans have clamored for it.”
Before the design was finalized, there were 14 options for alternate helmets.
The Ravens have worn a black helmet since the beginning of their franchise. From 1996 to 1998, the team’s helmet had a “Flying B” logo, which was a gold shield with a winged purple “B” at the center. In 1999, Baltimore began using a purple bird head with a gold B inside it on its helmet.