Guardian Cap

[3] While much media coverage has centered on the caps' usage in the NFL, the equipment also has documented use in other professional leagues,[4] as well as the collegiate and youth levels.[3] The Los Angeles Rams became early adopters of the caps in 2021, after the team's quarterback, Matthew Stafford, injured his hand on an uncapped helmet during training camp.[16] Ahead of the 2023 season, the CFL also mandated the use of Guardian Caps during training camp and padded practices for offensive and defensive linemen, running backs, and linebackers.[3][4] In August 2023, NFL executive Jeff Miller stated on Good Morning Football that the caps could one day be worn in-game.[21] During an April 2024 webinar, NFL chief administration officer Dawn Aponte announced that the league decided on permitting players to use Guardian Caps during games if they so desired.[3] Sportswriter Mike Florio stated that "While the league would likely never put it this way, aesthetics matter," opining that the "Guardian Cap objectively doesn't look good.[13] Nate Davis of USA Today wrote that the adoption of the caps for in-game use was "something of a seismic shift as it pertains to game day, but players have generally embraced the padded covers attached to the outside of the helmet".[32] Another study published in the journal in 2023 suggested that the caps "may not be effective in reducing the magnitude of head impacts experienced by NCAA Division I American football players".[33] Another 2023 study, published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that "protective soft-shell padding did not reduce head impact kinematic outcomes among college football athletes".
Hassan Hall wearing a Guardian Cap in 2023
Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah wearing a Guardian Cap during the Cleveland Browns ' training camp in 2022
Tampa Bay Buccaneers player Luke Goedeke (center) wearing a Guardian Cap against the Kansas City Chiefs during a regular season game in 2024
Hassan Hallgridiron footballice hockey helmetNational Football LeagueCanadian Football LeagueAmerican footballCalgary Stampedersice hockeyFahrenheitpolycarbonateNational Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipmentmaterials sciencePeyton LoganLos Angeles RamsMatthew StaffordJeremiah Owusu-KoramoahCleveland Brownsoffensivedefensive linementight endslinebackers2023 seasonGood Morning FootballAuburnwide receiversdefensive backsNFL Players AssociationTampa Bay BuccaneersLuke GoedekeKansas City Chiefsregular season game in 2024James DanielsPittsburgh SteelersHouston TexansThomas Bertrand-HudonSaskatchewan RoughridersMontreal Alouettes2024 regular seasonJosh WhyleTennessee TitansChicago BearsArizona CardinalsJ. J. WattbobbleheadMike RoseMike FlorioIndianapolis ColtsUSA TodayJudy BattistaNFL.comconcussions suffered by playersNCAA Division IInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public HealthGlobal NewsCBC.caBleacher ReportCBS 42Yahoo! SportsBattista, JudyCBS SportsFlorio, MikeNBC SportsSports Business JournalSports IllustratedPittsburgh Post-GazetteSportsnetStanford University School of MedicineGridiron football equipmentGoal postsHelmetEyeshieldFace maskHistoryRevolutionWingedAway coloursAlternateNumbersThrowbackCleatsShoulder padsAthletic Cup