The NFL introduced on Friday it can now permit gamers to put on Guardian Caps, a 12-ounce comfortable shell that matches over their helmets, throughout regular-season video games in an effort to scale back head accidents.
The league initially required offensive and defensive linemen, tight ends and linebackers to put on the headgear throughout preseason observe in 2022, and that listing has since expanded to incorporate operating backs, broad receivers and defensive backs.
Information from the final two years has proven a 50 % discount in concussions amongst gamers sporting Guardian Caps in coaching camp in comparison with the typical of the 2018, 2019 and 2021 seasons, when the protecting headgear was not current.
“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,” NFL executive vice president of player health and safety Jeff Miller said.
“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.”
Analysis has additionally proven a ten % discount in drive of a helmet-to-helmet hit when one participant is sporting a Guardian Cap and a 20 % discount if two gamers are sporting the protecting gear, which is why greater than 300 schools and three,000 excessive colleges throughout the nation use them.
Whereas most are a single shade, some embrace group logos on the edges and stripes down the middle, as debuted by the Georgia Bulldogs throughout spring observe in March. The present plan is for the NFL to match the caps to the helmets throughout video games, as properly.
“We are proud to be a part of improving outcomes for players and grateful to the NFL for their investment in player safety,” Guardian Innovations founder and CEO Erin Hanson said.
“While we are proud of our current products and their performance on the field, we will continue to iterate the Guardian Cap to offer improved performance and aesthetics for the future.”
