Mini NFL Helmet Display Board with Hooks
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Why I Tried This Project
My good friend’s son is living his best life this fall watching professional football. One of his favorite weekly rituals? Making predictions for team matchups—wins vs. losses—using his set of mini NFL helmets.
She had seen some simple pre-made display boards online (like this one: Mini Helmet Tracker Set), but she really wanted something easy, personalized, and DIY-friendly. I loved the idea immediately. What better way to combine football fun + creativity than a custom helmet prediction board?
These were the inspiration, my favorite was the hand drawn version :)
Difficulty, Time & Cost
Difficulty: Easy (drilling pilot holes was the trickiest part)
Time: About 2 hours
Cost: ~$30 total
Verdict: A touchdown DIY! 🎉 She gave it to her son for Christmas, and he absolutely loved it.
The Process 🛠️
Prep and paint boards.
I used 12x12x½” craft boards (Amazon has great precut options).
Gave them a solid coat of paint—we went with simple white, but you could go all out and paint it just like a field!
Make a hook template.
Each board holds 16 helmets (32 total).
I created a grid template on some scrap paper to space them evenly.
Add labels.
Across the top, I used precut vinyl letters (you can also cut your own with a Cricut/Silhouette) to spell out “Winners” and “Losers.”
You could also get creative with regions, field lines, or conference logos, but we kept it simple.
Attach the hooks.
Using the template, drill small pilot holes (trust me—your fingers will thank you).
Screw in 16 tiny hooks per board.
Connect the boards.
Attach hinges at the top to create an A-frame style.
Optionally, add a small chain inside to prevent the board from sliding open too far.
Supply List (with links!)
Paint
Vinyl letters (like these, or use cutting machine to create at home)
Drill with small drill bit
Hinges
Chain + screws (optional)
Finished Project ✨
The final board stands like a mini scoreboard, with one side for “Winners” and the other for “Losers.” The mini NFL helmets hang perfectly on the hooks, making it easy for weekly predictions (and maybe some bragging rights too 😉).
When my friend’s son unwrapped this on Christmas morning, it was an instant win. He proudly set it up and got to work placing helmets for his predictions.
Final Thoughts
Sure, you can buy something similar online—but half the fun here was making it ourselves, customizing it, and gifting it with love. Plus, for around $30 and 2 hours of work, it’s a budget-friendly DIY that looks way more expensive than it really is.
👉 Would you build one of these for your own football fan? Or are you Team “Add to Cart”?
