John Tate Riddell started this company with a simple but brilliant idea to make sporting equipment safer, better, and easier to use for athletes. Many years, and hundreds of great ideas later, we're still sporting better by making better equipment.

It all started with the removable cleat, the brainchild of Riddell who at the time was the Head Football Coach and Athletic Director of Evanston Township High School. This innovation was just one of many Riddell "firsts" that revolutionized the sporting equipment landscape.

In 1939, Riddell had another breakthrough. He invented and perfected the first plastic suspension helmet. Invented for the football field, the United States Government quickly saw its benefit for protecting troops in World War II.

Today, Riddell equipment is seen on football fields from coast-to-coast protecting every level of player from young men all the way up to NFL professionals. Our equipment is also prominently seen on baseball and softball fields, basketball and volleyball courts, lacrosse and soccer fields, and in track and field events. Why? It's simple. With a proven commitment to creating the best sporting equipment, it's tough to beat Riddell.