Game worn Miami Dolphins Riddell AF2 model helmet, in original unaltered condition.   The helmet, with a manufacturing date of 1998, is original and complete with the original AF2 "fitted" interior padding, original 1997 Schutt RJOP-UB-DW Dolphin teal facemask - 1st Generation with the separate side bar, secured to the helmet with the original conventional clips at the top mounts and navy colored shockblocker clips at the helmet's side mounts.  The inner straps of the shockblockers have turned brittle and have broken with only partial inner straps remaining.  The Riddell soft cup chinstrap is blank with the Riddell names removed from the straps as the Dolphins used during this period. See the photo below of Mario with the described chinstrap style. Unlike the other Riddell inflatable padded helmets of the period, the AF2 was a fitted helmet, and this one was fitted for the largest of melons - in a size 7 3/4!

The helmet has its original Dolphins logos and striping, properly positioned and adhered well to the helmet with no lifting.  The helmet comes with all of the game decals, with the NFL Shield on the rear left side, the team applied navy on clear warning label on the right side of the helmet.  The front bumper has a teal colored Riddell name covering the factory Riddell red printing; while the oversized rear bumper of the AF2 helmet has the DOLPHINS bemper decal covering the Riddell name. 

The AF2 model helmet had about ran its course by the late 1990s, reserved and used for a handful of players with either very large or "odd shaped heads" still using it. In doing research on the helmet and what Dolphins may have wore it, we were only able to determine that Kenny Mixon wore an AF2 during his rookie season of 1998 before switching to an Adams Elite for 1999 and beyond.  Could this have been his rookie helmet?  There is a strong case with the original datecode aligned with Mixon's rookie season with the Dolphins and another fact of the XL fitted size of 7 3/4. You decide. However one thing is certain. If you know Dolphins helmets from this era, you know how rare this helmet is.  The helmet has reconditioned light wear on the exterior and interior and is perfect to display.  

A great helmet, with story to share, a mystery to solve, in a rare model, from a team that's helmets do not become available very often and when they do, they are purchased and rarely resurface in the collectible market.  Don't wait on this one!