Washington Redskins Brian Orakpo says helmet facemask inspired by Batman

It seems that in every league, players seemingly create a fashion statement out of their game equipment. That idea is no different in the NFL where players appear determined to one-up their fellow foes by creating the most elaborate facemask they can.

What started out a few seasons back with Justin Tuck of the New York Giants has morphed into a trend and now Washington Redskins defender Brian Orakpo has decided to debut his newest facemask, inspired by Batman – specifically The Dark Knight Rises.

During one of the Redskins most recent practices, Orakpo revealed the mask which is modeled after Batman’s nemesis, Bane.

Orakpo commented on the mask before it debuted:

"“This is just for now. I’ve got something else in the works,” Orakpo said at the time. “It’s a secret. No one else will have this one. I want to credit J. Tuck, the homie, for starting this trend. But I went ahead and created my own little deal. I got it coming soon.“Think Bane,” he continued. “From Batman.”"

Many players (namely defenders) suggest that new styled masks are more protective towards their faces and also say it’s more difficult for opposing players to get their fingers inside of the mask, which may hold true for some (say like Tuck) but Orakpo’s still has plenty of spots for fingers.

Effective or not, it’s still pretty sweet.

Thanks to the Washington Redskins for the picture:

H/T Washington Post