Football fans might notice something different during NFL games this season: for the first time in the league’s history, players are permitted to wear a unique accessory over their helmets known as a Guardian Cap. This foam padding, designed to reduce the risk of concussions, is making its regular-season debut as part of the NFL’s ongoing efforts to improve player safety.
Guardian Caps have been used in practices before, but now they’re being seen on the field during live games. “Football is a dangerous collision sport, no doubt about it,” Erin Hanson, the founder and owner of Guardian Sports, told the New York Times. She explained that during practice, the use of the caps led to a significant decrease in head injuries.
According to NFL executive Jeff Miller, who oversees the league’s health and safety initiatives, data shows that concussions dropped by as much as 50% when players wore Guardian Caps during practices.
The caps are foam pads that fit over a player’s helmet, providing extra cushioning to absorb the force from hits. “Various studies suggest a 10 to 20% reduction in impact forces during collisions,” said Dr. Joseph Maroon, a neurologist from the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, in an interview with CBS News. This reduction could be crucial in preventing brain injuries.
Repeated head trauma, especially concussions, has been linked to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disorder that can only be diagnosed posthumously. According to the Mayo Clinic, CTE can lead to cognitive problems like memory loss and impaired thinking, as well as behavioral issues such as aggression and impulsive actions. Depression and suicide have also been linked to CTE, as tragically highlighted by the family of former NFL player Vincent Jackson, who was diagnosed with CTE after his suicide in 2021. Similarly, Kathie Lee Gifford revealed that her late husband, NFL legend Frank Gifford, had stage 4 CTE when he passed away.
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While Guardian Caps can reduce the risk of head trauma, experts warn they don’t provide complete protection, especially for the neck. “The neck is very flexible,” Dr. Jamshid Ghajar, a neurosurgeon and president of the Brain Trauma Foundation, told the New York Times.
He explained that the movement of the neck can cause a whiplash effect, which leads to brain injuries. “Helmets and padding work if you have an iron neck,” Ghajar added, stressing that while Guardian Caps are helpful, they don’t address all the factors that contribute to concussions.
Still, many players are embracing the additional protection. New England Patriots safety Jabrill Peppers praised the caps, saying, “It’s really for those plays where you might not see a guy coming from the side and get incidental contact on your head.” The caps provide a buffer for those unexpected hits, which can often cause the most damage.
Cleveland Browns linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah shared his personal experience with the Guardian Cap. After taking a hit during a game, he decided to give it a try. “I kinda felt it a little bit,” he told Sports Illustrated. “So I’m like, man, let me try this Guardian Cap and see what it’s all about.” After wearing it, he noticed a significant difference. “I really didn’t feel anything on the hits. I’m very glad we had the opportunity to wear those things.”
Indianapolis Colts tight end Kylen Granson echoed that sentiment in a video he posted on Instagram in August. “Why would I not add a safety measure onto my helmet?” Granson said. “Anything I can do to mitigate any sort of brain injury or long-term health effects that would be detrimental to me takes precedence.”
As the NFL continues to prioritize player safety, Guardian Caps represent a step forward in minimizing the risks of head injuries in a sport known for its violent collisions.
While they might not be a complete solution, they offer players an added layer of protection in a game where every hit counts.
