Report: NFL players will be allowed to wear the “Guardian Cap” over their helmets next season

Look out for the “Guardian Cap” in the NFL next season.

Amidst the hustle and bustle of the 2024 NFL Draft, the NFL has announced that players will be allowed to wear the protective Guardian Cap over their helmet in games next season.

The Guardian Cap is an added layer of protection worn over the regular football helmet and was developed in the early 2010s by Guardian Innovations, with the goal of reducing the impact of hits and reduce the risk of head injuries in football. The cap first gained traction at the youth and high-school level of football, and finally was introduced to the NFL in 2021.

Also known as the soft-shell helmet cover, the guardian cap was initially meant for practice purposes, particularly for linemen, linebackers, and tight ends. The cap is designed to absorb the energy from impacts, potentially reducing the force transmitted to a player’s head. However, feedback from players and coaches has varied, with ongoing discussions about the cap’s effectiveness and comfort.

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has suffered his fair share of concussions in the past, so it will be interesting to see if he decides to don the cap next season.

What do you think of the Guardian Cap? Do you think it’s a good move for player safety?