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You could remove the numerals, Steeler logo and team colors and this
distinctive helmet would still immediately bring to mind only one player
-- Hall of Famer John Henry Johnson. Known as one of the toughest men ever
to play football. John would never back down when challenged on the field.
Steeler quarterback Bobby Layne, not a timid player himself, referred to
John Henry as "my bodyguard" in tribute to his devastating blocking style.
Using an unusual half-crouch running style complete with twists, turns and
jack-rabbit speed once in the open. He was the first Steeler to rush for
1000 yards in a season and was the number 4 rusher of all time when he
retired. It is doubtful that anyone would dare make fun of John because he
chose to wear this unusual looking early 1960s Rawlings model
"HCR -Cy-Co-LITE" helmet. It includes the identical type "stubby" one bar
facemask (stamped Rawlings but made for them by Riddell) and Rawlings
leather chip strap that were worn by John Henry. His 1963 helmet had a
distinctive 2" wide center stripe that was changed to 1" in 1964 to match
the style of the rest of the team. Although this helmet is more than 50
years old the thick leather padding is still soft and supple and ready for
action if OLE John Henry decides to return to the field to make one more
bruising block or exciting run.
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