NFL to give players option to wear Guardian Caps during regular-season games
The NFL declared on Friday that players can now use Guardian Caps in regular-season games. This move is aimed at enhancing player health and safety by preventing head injuries.
Jeff Miller, NFL EVP in charge of player health and safety, announced on Friday that players will be allowed to wear Guardian Caps during games in the upcoming season. The decision follows two years of data revealing significant reductions in concussions among athletes who wore these caps during practice. He also mentioned the introduction of new helmets this year that offer equal, if not superior, protection compared to other helmet models used with a Guardian Cap. Miller views these advancements as significant strides toward enhancing player safety.
To reduce player risk and continue driving innovations in equipment technology, Guardian Caps have been authorized for in-game use this season.
Hear more from @NFL Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Allen Sills: https://t.co/PpqOBxEiHl pic.twitter.com/tXUlAaEDbR
— NFL Football Operations (@NFLFootballOps) April 26, 2024
The NFL instituted Guardian Caps during training camps ahead of the 2022 season, and then they were mandated during the 2023 season at every preseason practice, as well as every regular-season and postseason practice with contact. Players at position groups where head contact is seen most are required to wear the Guardian Cap, with running backs and fullbacks joining the previously included linemen and linebackers. The only positions not required to wear the caps are kickers, punters, quarterbacks, wide receivers and defensive backs.
The league said when the Guardian Caps debuted in 2022 that they can reduce the force from head contact by 10% if one player is wearing it, and 20% if all players involved are wearing them.
Earlier this month, it was announced that NFL players will have 12 new helmets — including eight that are made specifically for linemen and quarterbacks — to choose from next season.
