The Utah Utes will be showcasing the Polynesian culture within their football program by wearing hand-painted helmets during their upcoming game against Iowa State. The red helmets feature a tribal tattoo known as kākau, representing the islands of Polynesia and the Polynesian players and coaches who have been a part of the program. The left side of the helmets also include the phrase “Malama Lahaina”, honoring the Hawaiian word for caring and preserving the land and its people.
The helmets were painted by Samoan artist Fred Frost and Nebraska-based airbrushing company owner Armando Villarreal. Villarreal has previously worked on various hand-painted helmet designs for the Utes since 2016, including the black “Drum and Feather” and red “Throw the U” helmets.
The Utes will pair these new helmets with their black throwback uniforms, featuring classic number font and traditional striping patterns. The decision to honor the Polynesian culture through these unique helmets comes as a tribute to the Polynesian players and their contributions to the program. The game, scheduled for Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET on FOX, will provide an opportunity for fans and viewers to appreciate the cultural significance behind the design of the helmets.
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Photo credit news.sportslogos.net
