Rewrite the article about NFL’s new ‘guardian cap’: The National Football League (NFL) will allow players to wear a unique helmet accessory called the ‘guardian cap’ during games starting from next season. However, this headgear resembles Super Mario Bros.’ character Toad with his distinctive mushroom-shaped hat. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell approved its usage in late 2021 for training camp practices but refused to let players wear it during actual matches last year. The league’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr Allen Sills, had earlier stated that the caps “most likely” wouldn’t be used in games. However, this stance seems to have changed with Goodell and the NFL as they announced allowing its use from next season onwards.
The ‘guardian cap’, which was first introduced during training camp practices last year before expanding into actual match practice sessions for players besides quarterbacks, kickers, or punters leading up to each game. The caps’ purpose is to help football athletes of all ages protect their bodies and limit concussions by reducing them by approximately 50% in training camps according to Goodell.
However, some NFL stars like Texans defensive end JJ Watt criticized the helmets for making him feel “like a bobblehead” and waiting to fall over due to its added weight on top of his head during practices last year. It remains unclear whether players will opt-out of wearing this unique accessory, as it seems that style may take precedence over safety in some cases.
Some people have suggested designing more fashionable helmets instead because the current design looks quite unusual and doesn’t seem practical for actual games. The NFL has not yet responded to these suggestions or provided any further details about how players will be encouraged to wear this new accessory during matches next season.
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