NFL allows extra padding on top of helmets, but will players opt to wear them?

America’s Game Takes a Safety Step Forward

The National Football League (NFL) is taking additional measures to protect its players from the impact of the game, introducing Guardian caps for regular season games. These soft, padded caps slip over a helmet and can reduce the force of a hit by up to 33%, according to the manufacturer. But will players actually wear them?

A Safety Priority

Colts tight end Kylin Granson is a proponent of the Guardian cap, calling it "a little extra padding on the exterior of the helmet." He hopes his stance will rub off on others, prioritizing safety in a game that can be brutal on the body. "There’s life after football," he said.

A Skeptical Reception

Not all players are on board with the idea of extra protection. Some have scoffed at the Guardian cap, saying it makes no difference. "It looks weird," one player said. "It’s kind of silly to them." Another player prioritized health over aesthetics, saying, "My health takes precedent over look or comfortability."

A Growing Concern

The NFL is taking steps to address the growing concern of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease that can cause a range of symptoms, including depression, anxiety, aggression, memory loss, and dementia. A recent study found that it’s not just concussions that cause CTE, but cumulative hits over the course of a career.

A 52% Drop in Concussions

The NFL reports a 52% drop in concussions during preseason practices among players wearing Guardian caps. While there is no peer-reviewed study yet published to back up this data, the league is funding the development of new helmets with extra protection, which have tested well in practice.

A Silver Bullet

Experts warn that there is no silver bullet when it comes to protecting players from head injuries. "The better the equipment gets, the more players feel invincible and use their head as a weapon," said one expert.

Starting Early

Granson believes that starting early is key, and some high schools are already giving options for athletes to wear Guardian caps. Sam, a reporter, notes that while there are no requirements for Guardian caps at the youth level, some high schools are adopting the technology. "It’s not just about the pros," Sam said. "It’s about starting early and making a difference at all levels."

A Widespread Impact

As the NFL continues to address the issue of head injuries, it’s likely that Guardian caps will become more widespread, not just at the professional level but at the youth and high school levels as well.