BOISE (Idaho Statesman) — Armando Villareal has always been drawn to broncos. Growing up in southwest Nebraska, Villareal owned a horse aptly named Bronco. Years later, in the mid-2000s, his father-in-law owned a burnt-orange 1973 Mustang Mach 1 muscle car, and Villareal, using his burgeoning artistic talent, airbrushed a pair of rearing broncos on the side.

And now, Villareal is partnering with Boise State to create something never done before in the football program: hand-painted team helmets.

Of course, a rearing bronco with deep orange eyes is included in the design for these Broncos. Boise State football announced what is called its Front Porch of Idaho helmet earlier this week, which will be worn in the Broncos’ next home game against App State on Sept. 27.

The hand-painted blue h

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