NFL to allow Guardian Caps on helmets during regular season

The NFL has adjusted its rules to allow players the option of using Guardian Caps in regular-season games to enhance their protection against head injuries, the league confirmed Friday.

The padded headgear was mandated for players at certain positions during training camp in 2022 and 2023. Speaking earlier this year, NFL executive vice president Jeff Miller said that Guardian Caps have contributed to a nearly 50% reduction in concussions for the position groups that wore them during those time periods.

In a statement provided Friday to ESPN, Miller said: "We now have two years of data showing significant concussion reductions among players who wear Guardian Caps during practice, so players will be permitted to wear the cap during games this upcoming season. Additionally, there are new helmets this year that provide as much -- if not more -- protection than a different helmet model paired with a Guardian Cap. These developments represent substantial progress in our efforts to make the game safer for players."

I guess this makes sense, but it's going to look stupid. What's next?



NFL to allow Guardian Caps on helmets during regular season - ESPN

 

I truly wonder how many players will wear these; doubly so from a Superstar standpoint?!


Going to have to wait and see.

 

I'll be dang. If I was on the line....on either side, or a RB....I might, but since I never played either position....I wouldn't. LoL

 

I doubt that it makes a wide receiver or defensive back any faster. Unless you do it for everyone....

 

Hoge said very few players will wear these, because players are concerned with their image/how they look

 

What I don't understand is if they know these help why can't they design a better helmet

 

They did, but the new helmet breaks in cold weather.

 

I am curious if they are referencing the same helmet you are thinking of. the statement is not very clear. Maybe a lot of guys will just wear the new helmet?

Additionally, there are new helmets this year that provide as much -- if not more -- protection than a different helmet model paired with a Guardian Cap.

 

It's another example of there are limits to the testing performed and sometimes it takes getting the stuff in the field to see how it holds up. That's the issue with all these helmets that are really good at reducing these injuries just aren't getting down to the level where it could do the most good.

Sure the Pros are getting them, some colleges have access to these new "expensive" helmets that need to be replaced, but the High schools and Peewee just aren't using any.

I mean the one Mahommes uses is the Vicis Zero2 and it goes for $320 was the cheapest I found. Now if I had funds and my boys were playing they'd get, but if you have color options for the teams and they end up switching, you're in for having to change that out and not many people are putting that kind of money out there just to have to get another one because the Color is wrong.

 

The press release showed the rookies getting fitted. Hopefully as they are adopted, are more common and proven they become more accessible to the youth.

 

Oh most definitely, but it still comes down to cost at the youth level. Parents may want the best, but some just don't have the "best" money.

When you get to Varsity they have them listed at $800 and then there's different models for positions.

 

They should make the QB’s wear them and ease up on the contact to the head violations against the defense. If they are so worried about them getting hurt, you would think they would mandate them.

 

50 percent reduction in concussions in practices with shorts and pads?? Too early to call BS on this stat?

I don't remember a single player in concussion protocol during training camp last year or ever hearing of this before.

Be curious to see if the league tries to force players to wear this after an injury.

 

They might require players to use the more advanced helmets once they are proven. The training camp data started in 2022, and I recall they compared the number of concussions to previous training camps. In 2022 offensive linemen, defensive linemen, tight ends, and linebackers were required to wear them.

I remember AB refusing to wear another helmet

 

Unfortunately, it seems like AB already paid the CTE price for playing pro ball. I'm not clear on the timeline, but it seems like he started doing the really goofy **** after the Burfict hit.

 

https://www.firstcoastnews.com/arti...ssion/77-2a2d6d99-089c-441d-84d8-8971936deac4

 

So a pinched nerve, and or a stinger is considered a concussion now, or did I not read that correctly????

 

I actually didn’t read it. Just wanted one person with a concussion during tc.
/edit I’m guessing the stinger part can point towards a concussion. Or perhaps players have used those terms to gloss over having a concussion

 

My understanding of that article was that all of the above are put in concussion protocol.

 

There is a new helmet that uses 3D Printed lattice to dissipate energy - Orbit X Pro, a football helmet from Xenith. They claim it is available for NFL use this year.

Video: Orbit X Pro Football Helmet Uses 3D Printed Lattices | Additive Manufacturing https://www.additivemanufacturing.m...-pro-football-helmet-uses-3d-printed-lattices

 

Did anyone wear their Guardian in Preseason yet?

If I was a vet, that had nothing to play for in preseason, I think I would wear the Guardian Cap just for the added security and the fact that it is just a preseason practice game. But, then again, I would be running into everyone with my new and improved helmet just to prove that you can't hurt me because I am the Gingerbread Man!!!

 

I didn't notice anyone in the Hall of Fame game but wasn't paying close attention. I think that is the only game until tomorrow.

 

What year do they start playing in swimming pools?

 

Swimming pools are too dangerous.

 

Well if they are 3 feet deep and you only have to pull one flag off while wearing an inner tube supported by 3 pool noodles and a snorkel for a mouth piece then they might finally hit their safety goals. I might actually go for these changes if they finally added Steeler Cheerleaders in bikini’s.