A football helmet is disclosed that includes a shell constructed of fiber reinforced epoxy resin, a liner made from expanded polypropylene, an impact absorbing layer situated between the liner and the shell, and a face gaurd. The impact absorbing layer is constructed from either expanded polypropylene or a viscoelastic polymer encased in a suitable thin yet resilient and elastic membrane. An optional impact absorbing band is also shown disposed around the inner periphery of the liner and encircling the player's head. The impact absorbing band serves to reduce impact forces occurring from side helmet impact with objects or players. An alternate helmet liner is also disclosed having hexagonal apertures situated in the crown thereof to lower the density of the EPP material in that region and improve energy absorbing characteristics of the helmet assembly.