Two years ago, the NFL introduced Guardian Caps in an effort to reduce concussions as they had become a massive problem in the league.
Initially, these soft-shell helmets were only worn by players during training camps and practices. However, this year marked a massive change as the NFL allowed players to wear the caps during official games.
According to NFL tracking, the league has seen its lowest number of concussions in both practice and game situations since tracking began in 2015. The number of concussions has dropped by nearly 50 percent for players who wear the Guardian Caps.
While the decision to wear the Guardian Caps remains entirely in the hands of the players, the response has been mixed. Some players have embraced the change, while others have opted out. One notable example is Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who has a history of concussions.
Despite the potential benefits, Tagovailoa chose not to wear the Guardian Cap. On the other hand, his teammate, rookie Devone Achane, spoke highly of the caps, saying he found them comfortable and useful for all the players.
“I feel like it’s really useful,” Achane said. “Today it felt really comfortable and so I don’t have a problem wearing it. It’s for my safety and it helps.”
Achane emphasized that the decision should be a personal one for each player.
While some players may not be ready to fully embrace the change, the Guardian Caps have shown to be an effective tool in reducing concussions, and their continued use in the NFL could signal a safer future for the game.
