NFL Introduces Mandatory Guardian Caps to Reduce Head Injuries During Practices, Except for QBs, Kickers, and Punters

NFL players will have the option to wear Guardian caps during team practices this fall, with defensive backs and receivers joining other position groups required to use them for all contact drills. However, quarterbacks, kickers, and punters are not obligated to don these protective soft-shell helmet covers during practice sessions.
The innovative headgear aims to lessen the impact of collisions by absorbing around 10% of force when a player is hit in the head while wearing it alone. The absorbance value doubles if both participants involved are clad with Guardian caps, according to NFL data reported by Associated Press (AP).
NFL officials revealed that concussions dropped significantly during training camp last year as use of these protective covers was mandated for certain players in 2019. The initial rollout of the Guardian caps took place back in 2015, when player safety concerns prompted league executives to initiate new protocols focused on head trauma and concussion prevention measures.
Guardian Sports manufactures these protective covers that reportedly reduce impact by a third while shielding helmets from wear-and-tear damage. The company also claims the caps help keep players’ heads cool during practice sessions, according to their website.
In recent years, player safety has emerged as an essential priority for NFL executives who have implemented guidelines aimed at protecting athletes against head injuries and concussions. Football-related brain trauma is a growing concern in professional football after former NFL stars alleged that they experienced longstanding neurological issues linked with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). These former players filed lawsuits accusing the league of concealing information about CTE and its possible impact on overall wellbeing, given extensive football experiences. The matter went before the courts in 2015 when retired NFL stars received $1 billion as part of a settlement for head trauma-related injuries that occurred during their careers.