What is a Guardian Cap in the NFL? Do Guardian Caps Reduce CTE?

NFL players are now wearing an extra-padded helmet. Do you know What that helmet is called? Why are they wearing it? What's the need to wear that helmet?

All you need to know is here.

What is a Guardian Cap in the NFL?

The new helmets worn by NFL players are called Guardian Caps, they are soft-shell coverings which protects the players from injury, yes in simple it is extra safety for the players.

Created in 2010, Guardian Caps have been used in practice since 2015, leading to a 50% reduction in concussions during training sessions.

Guardian Caps, developed by Guardian Sports are soft-shell helmet coverings initially designed as a full helmet. The Caps are intended to reduce impact and improve safety during practices without drastically changing the helmet's appearance.

When did NFL Players start using Guardian Cap?

As per sources, In 2020 NFL players started using Guardian Caps in practices. At the time, there were no established rules for the permanent implementation of the coverings.

According to NFL.com, the league mandated the use of Guardian Caps during preseason practices and contact practices throughout the regular season and playoffs in 2023.

According to Guardian Sports, the shell moves independently of the helmet, redirecting forces around the head during a football field collision.

How many NFL teams use Guardian Caps?

• Colleges: Adopted by prominent universities such as the University of Georgia, Alabama, Texas A&M, Oklahoma, Stanford, and Penn State, along with over 500 other colleges.
• High Schools: Used by more than 5,000 high schools.
• Youth Programs: Implemented in over 1,000 youth football programs.
• Professional Leagues: All 32 NFL teams and all 9 CFL teams utilize Guardian Caps.

In 2024, the NFL mandated their use during contact practices and permitted them for in-game use.

Do Guardian Caps reduce CTE?

Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) is a degenerative brain disease that poses a significant risk for individuals who have experienced repeated head trauma. Football players, in particular, are at a higher risk of developing CTE later in life compared to those in other professions.

According to Erickson, "In real-life football practices, the cap did not demonstrate a significant reduction in the impact from hits that did not result in a concussion. Researchers believe that such repetitive head impacts, even without a concussion, can contribute to the development of CTE."

According to the Guardian website.

Are Guardian Caps Safe to Use?

Researchers measured and observed nearly 1,000 hits in football and found no significant difference in the forces experienced by players wearing Guardian Caps compared to those not wearing them, suggesting the caps may not effectively reduce impact forces.

Despite this, Guardian Caps have demonstrated safety in other contexts. Additionally, in 2021, Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford injured his hand after hitting it on an offensive lineman's helmet, a setback that could have jeopardized the team's Super Bowl-winning campaign.