Guarding Their Greatest Asset

By: Destry Groth

Have you seen the oversized looking helmets on the field this season? If you have, they are called Guardian Caps. Guardian caps are made up of padding that is put over a football helmet that is designed with the purpose of reducing head injuries. These caps can absorb 10% to 40% more of a hit compared to a standard helmet.  

They were created in 2010 and have been used by the National Football League (NFL) since 2022. Testing with these started in 2020 practices by the Jacksonville Jaguars. In this time there has been a 50% reduction in concussions received in practice.  

This year the NFL mandated the use of these during any practice situation for all players except quarterbacks, kickers and punters. Offensive and defensive linemen, tight ends and linebackers had to wear them in every preseason practice in 2022. This expanded to running backs and full backs in 2023 with defensive backs and wide receivers being added this preseason. 

There are mixed feelings amongst players. Guardian caps add seven ounces of weight to the head causing players to complain about how heavy they can be. These are also hot because they cover the vents built into the helmet and lack style. Only six players wore them in week one of the season. 

Recently there have also been advancements in other helmet technology, with an increase in position specific and safer helmets. This year there have been five new helmet models that have tested better than any helmet ever worn in the NFL. These helmets did just as well as the Guardian Caps in testing. These helmets can be worn instead of Guardian Caps during practices because players are just as protected, if not more, by them. 

With all of this in mind, there are plenty of options for the safety of football players. The league is making adjustments with the well-being of the players in mind. Football is safer than ever due to all the constant research and adaptations.