Who Wore #20 For The Detroit Lions? Barry Sanders Who wore 20 before Barry? It was worn by Barney as a rookie in 1967 through his final season in 1977. Sims, who wore No. 20 as a high school player in Hooks, Texas, was next to wear it when the Lions drafted him first overall
When Were Plastic Helmets First Used In Football? The first plastic helmet—the precursor to every modern football helmet—was made by John T. Riddell in 1939; the company he founded still dominates the industry today. Early versions of the helmet, made of brittle plastic, would crack on impact. When did football helmets changed from leather? During