It all started with a Super Bowl Hall of Famer.
“I was good friends with Hershel Walker and he gave me his college helmet when he was with the University of Georgia. We used to train together in karate and that’s what started this whole crazy helmet collection that I have,” said helmet collector and artist Scot Teller.
Leesport-area actor Scot Teller now has nearly 400 helmets spanning eras: high school, college, and pro, plus custom helmets for shows and movies he’s appeared in, and modified helmets for people like former Eagles great Brian Dawkins for his foundation fundraiser, as well as actors like Adam Sandler and Shane Gillis.
“What do you get these guys that like have everything?” Teller said.
They often get shiny, shimmering versions of something originally meant for safety. Now, they’re made into a symbol of performance and pride.
“They were blown away when I give it to them and I always make two one for me and one for my collection and then they go home with one,” Teller said.
Among the many helmets there is one that holds a special place in Scot’s heart.
“When my sister passed, they sent me a box from their football and baseball teams and it made me cry,” Teller said.
Scot and his military family lived on a base there when he was younger. From the helmet holding his sister’s memory to his hero’s, every helmet holds a story close to his heart.
“I’ve had former NFL players that don’t have their helmet anymore and they ask if I could help them get their helmet or a helmet that looks like theirs for their office,” Teller said.
So, Scot’s Eagles aren’t in the Super Bowl, but Scot still plans to watch the game with his dad. It’s a celebration of a sport that brings family and friends together.
“Sports in general — football, baseball, basketball — are like a fraternity; they bring people together, and I love it.”