The NFL introduced Guardian Caps to training camp in 2022 in an effort to reduce concussions during summer practices. The results have been so successful that players will now be allowed to wear them during the season. Dr. Allen Sills, the NFL’s chief medical officer, reported that there has been significant evidence of concussion reductions in players who wear Guardian Caps. Brendan Burger, equipment director of the Los Angeles Rams, noted that players have embraced the caps as a normal piece of equipment, and have seen the benefits in reducing head impacts during practice.
The Guardian Cap was invented in 2011 and was introduced to the NFL two years ago. Since then, concussions in training camp have decreased by more than 50% compared to the average number during the 2018, 2019, and 2021 seasons. The NFL states that if both players involved in helmet-to-helmet contact are wearing the cap, the force of the impact is reduced by at least 20%, and by 10% if only one player is wearing it. The league also reported that Guardian Caps worn during training camp practices in 2023 contributed to a seven-year low in training camp concussions.
Erin Hanson, Founder and CEO of Guardian Innovations, expressed pride in the company’s role in improving player safety and gratitude to the NFL for investing in player safety. She stated that while they are proud of the current products and their performance on the field, they will continue to innovate and improve the Guardian Cap to offer enhanced performance and aesthetics in the future. NFL players are now used to wearing Guardian Caps to practice, knowing that the caps have been effective in reducing head impacts. The potential for seeing a Guardian Cap used in an actual game this year shows the confidence and acceptance of the caps within the league.
Overall, the use of Guardian Caps in the NFL has shown promising results in reducing concussions and improving player safety. With two years of data showing significant reductions in concussions during training camp, the league has decided to allow players to wear the caps during the season. The reported decrease in concussions during practice sessions and the potential for further improvements in the design of the Guardian Cap indicate a positive trend towards prioritizing player safety in professional football. The ongoing partnership between the NFL and Guardian Innovations highlights a commitment to finding innovative solutions to reduce head impacts and protect the health of players on the field.
