Riddell Sports Group
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Sports equipment |
| Founded | 1929 |
| Founder | John Tate Riddell |
| Headquarters | Des Plaines, Illinois , United States |
Area served | United States |
Key people | Dan Arment (CEO as of 2008) |
| Products | Football helmets, sports equipment |
| Owner | Fenway Partners |
Riddell Sports Group, commonly referred to as Riddell, is an American enterprise specializing in sports equipment specifically designed for Gridiron football. Established in 1929 by its founder John Tate Riddell, the company was originally based in Rosemont, Illinois before moving its headquarters to Des Plaines, Illinois in 2017.
History
The company’s origin traces back to John Tate Riddell, who initially concentrated on manufacturing cleats. In 1939, he pioneered the plastic shell helmet. Subsequent innovations included the plastic suspension helmet adopted by the U.S. Military during World War II, followed by the introduction of facemasks in the 1950s, air-inflated padding during the 1960s, and multi-inflation helmets throughout the 1990s. These advancements significantly strengthened Riddell’s position in the protective football equipment market.
In 2008, Dan Arment was named CEO, bringing extensive experience as an executive vice-president and general manager within mass-market sectors. His leadership emphasized strategic initiatives aimed at reducing concussions through cutting-edge helmet technology. The company remains under private equity control by Fenway Partners, which acquired Riddell from Lincolnshire Management in 2003.
To safeguard its intellectual property, Riddell initiated litigation against competitor Schutt Sports in 2008 over patent infringement. Following a favorable judgment for Riddell, Schutt declared bankruptcy in 2010, highlighting Riddell’s dominant role and tactical approach to maintaining industry leadership.
Products
Riddell is widely recognized for its football helmets, particularly the launch of the Revolution (Revo) helmet in 2002. This model was developed as a response to concussion research and has been adopted by athletes in both the NFL and NCAA, including notable players such as Peyton Manning and Brady Quinn.
The company’s technological innovation includes the Revolution IQ HITS (Head Impact Telemetry System), which integrates sensors inside helmets to capture impact data for analysis by coaches and medical staff. Additionally, Riddell created Concussion Reduction Technology (CRT), incorporating specialized padding engineered to absorb and distribute impact forces, thereby improving player protection.
Other prominent helmet models feature the Revolution Speed and SpeedFlex lines. The SpeedFlex helmet is designed with a flexible shell and facemask to better absorb impacts and mitigate risks of head and neck injuries. Riddell also markets a youth series for athletes under 14 years old that mirrors adult helmet designs.
Lawsuits
Riddell has been involved in major concussion-related legal proceedings, facing accusations that it was aware of helmet-associated risks but did not provide sufficient warnings to users. A significant 2013 trial resulted in a jury finding Riddell negligent for failing to disclose concussion dangers, leading to an $11 million award. This verdict had broader implications for NFL player lawsuits and brought attention to delayed transparency regarding helmet testing issues.
The company was also named in multidistrict litigation brought by thousands of retired NFL players alleging long-term brain injuries caused by concussions sustained during their playing careers. These lawsuits contend that Riddell withheld information about risks and that its helmets offered inadequate protection.
Several former NFL athletes have filed suits against Riddell, joining legal action against both the league and manufacturer over alleged concealment of concussion hazards. At least three active personal injury cases are ongoing in California, with additional cases pending in Pennsylvania, posing substantial legal challenges affecting Riddell’s reputation and financial standing.
See also
External links
- Sportswear brands
- Private equity portfolio companies
- Privately held companies based in Illinois
- Sporting goods manufacturers of the United States
- Companies based in Cook County, Illinois
- Manufacturing companies based in Illinois
- Des Plaines, Illinois
- Manufacturing companies established in 1927
- American companies established in 1927
- Companies of the United States by year of establishment