Duffy Daugherty added side numerals to Spartan helmets for the 1956 regular season. The green helmet with white one-inch center stripe now had three-inch thin, rounded “charger” style player identification numerals placed on each side of the shells for a classic appearance.
Michigan State was encouraged by the Big Ten league office to wear the numerals to enhance the viewing pleasure for the growing national television audiences who followed Big Ten football. Duffy Daugherty retained the side helmet numerals up through the 1964 season.
Information Credits: Helmet Hut and The Tradition Continues – Spartan Football. Spartan Jerseys claims no ownership to this information.
Photography Credits: Masthead image and 1957 helmet is courtesy of The Tradition Continues – Spartan Football. Image of the 1956 helmet is courtesy of Infinite Helmets.