The NFL said on Friday that players can now wear special soft-shell helmet covers called Guardian caps during games if they want to.
The use of these caps is also being expanded to more players during practices. Defensive backs and receivers must now wear them during all contact practices.
Since 2022, the NFL has made some players wear these caps during practices, but quarterbacks, kickers, and punters were exceptions.
While players won’t be forced to wear the caps during games, they now have the choice to do so.
Dr. Allen Sills, the NFL’s chief medical officer, mentioned during a recent webinar that two years of data have shown significant reductions in concussions for players who wear Guardian Caps in the NFL.
According to NFL data, the cap can absorb at least 10% of the force during a helmet hit, increasing to 20% if both players involved are wearing the caps.
Last year during training camp, when some players were required to wear the caps, concussions in the league reached a seven-year low.
Guardian Sports, the company that manufactures the caps, is based in Peachtree Corner, Georgia, which is an Atlanta suburb.
