Eh... we've seen similar style "armoured faces" on Transformers before.
e.g. Dreadwind, Polar Claw, Optimus Primal, Optimus Prime (RiD)/Omega Prime, Optimus Prime (CYB) (etc.) just to name a few. And I don't necessarily think that this style of guard is exclusively grid iron; many other sports including baseball and cricket also use similar style helmet guards, as did many medieval and Renaissance helmets.

Quote Originally Posted by tinyJazz View Post
Footballer? Nah dude he's totally wearing an Ushanka - you know, those Russian winter hats police in cold regions wear?
In Soviet Russia, Ushanka wears you!