UNLV is bringing back a piece of its past and doing so in front of a program that looks almost nothing like the one that wore it 50 years ago.
The Rebels unveiled a new helmet Monday night during the UNLV Athletics Inaugural Governor’s Dinner & Auction at Allegiant Stadium that will make its debut during the team’s homecoming game against North Dakota State on Oct. 10.
The helmet features a white shell and red facemask, with new lettering spelling out “UNLV REBELS” in a distinct mid-1970s font.
It also features the same red decal depicting the Minuteman statue in Concord, Massachusetts, that was worn by the Rebels during the 1976 season. That team went 9-3 and reached the NCAA Division II playoffs behind quarterback Glenn Carano.
Carano, who remains UNLV’s all-time winningest quarterback, was in attendance Monday as the helmet was unveiled and received a prototype from athletic director Erick Harper.
“It’s a helmet very similar to what Glenn wore back when he played,” Harper said. “Commemorating the 50th year, we thought it would be a great idea to bring that helmet back and have it on homecoming.”
For Carano, the return of the helmet offered an opportunity to reflect on how much the UNLV football program has changed since his playing days with the program.
“Well, at the time I was here it was over 50 years (ago) and it’s incredible,” Carano said. “Look at where they’re at right here in Allegiant Stadium. The players, the facilities they have, the Fertitta facilities are just outstanding.”
“It’s special that UNLV and Las Vegas do everything in a big way.”
For Harper, the throwback design is also a way to showcase how far the UNLV brand has come with 30 wins over the previous three seasons while connecting the program’s history to its present.
“This shows that the UNLV brand has continued to rise,” Harper said. “It’s a heck of a brand and I’m excited about the brand, and in this magnificent place, overlooking the Las Vegas Strip, and in this city, the sports entertainment capital of the world, launching that helmet for this year.”
