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What is the Guardian Cap in NFL and why are so many players now wearing them?
Keen-eyed NFL observers might have spotted something a little unusual about the gameday attire of some players.
Some of the stars of the league appear to be sporting cartoonishly large helmets, made all the more conspicuous by the fact that the majority of the players on the field are still wearing conventional gridiron head gear.
These oversized, squishy head protectors are not actually helmets but rather Guardian Caps, which are described as a soft-shell covering for NFL helmets.
Made by Guardian Sports, an innovative protective sportswear company created by husband-and-wife duo Lee and Erin Harrison, the caps are designed to mitigate the potential for injury caused by hits to the head – either when colliding with opponents or crashing to the ground.
Guardian Caps have been around for several years, often utilised in practice sessions. But it was only in 2024 that the protective coverings were able to be worn in competitive games.
And it appears to have yielded impressive results. This season has seen a record low for the number of concussions sustained by NFL players, with instances down 17 per cent from the previous campaign.
"One of the most significant changes this year was the adoption of the players wearing the best helmets," NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell told reporters ahead of the Super Bowl.
"We had 370 players that went into the most recent developments with helmets and I think that's showing and the Guardian Cap is an addition to that, for those who may not be making the adjustment to the best helmet."
And despite its clunky appearance, the Guardian Cap has been a hit with players.
“Hopefully, more and more people start wearing them,” said Pittsburgh Steelers guard James Daniels.
“I truly believe they help, so I’m glad the NFL is allowing us to wear them.
“Hopefully, every week people start wearing them more and more. I’m excited for it.”
Not everyone is on board yet, though. We are unlikely to see a Guardian Cap worn during Super Bowl LIX on Sunday as now Philadelphia Eagles or Kansas City Chiefs players have worn the protective gear so far this season.
And one Eagles star in particular has voiced an objection on fashion grounds.
"Oh, I can't stand them,” said cornerback Darius “Big Play” Slay. “It impacts my swag.
"My game is part of my swag. If I ain't looking the part, I can't feel the part.”
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