The NFL will adopt a change that could significantly alter the game of football as we know it.
On Friday, the NFL authorized the use of Guardian Caps, a popularized padded covering on helmets normally reserved for practice, during contests next season.
“To reduce player risk and continue driving innovations in equipment technology, Guardian Caps have been authorized for in-game use this season,” the NFL’s Football Operations account posted Friday afternoon. The league announced the news on X, the website formerly known as Twitter.
To reduce player risk and continue driving innovations in equipment technology, Guardian Caps have been authorized for in-game use this season.
Hear more from @NFL Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Allen Sills: https://t.co/PpqOBxEiHl pic.twitter.com/tXUlAaEDbR
— NFL Football Operations (@NFLFootballOps) April 26, 2024
The decision to install these caps comes at an intriguing time. There’s rummaging that Roger Goodell, the NFL’s commissioner, is pining for an 18-game regular season and extending the Super Bowl out to President’s Day weekend. So, while this is a move for player safety, you wonder if ulterior motives exist.
Still, it’s probably a positive move going forward. At this point, it’s also optional for players to use them if they want to. Football seems to change every year. While there are some aspects that opponents of rule changes oppose, as they think it takes away from the spirit of the game, this is the direction we’re going in. So, either we embrace it or we don’t.
There was nonetheless an outpouring of reactions after the news that Guardian Caps were authorized for use this coming season. Reactions varied on each side, just as you might expect with this situation.
Wow, Guardian Caps will be allowed in NFL games for players who want to wear it.
Wonder if this will come to college football soon. Almost all players use them in practice. Curious how many would want it in a game. https://t.co/yG9iobEuDb
— Chris Vannini (@ChrisVannini) April 26, 2024
NFL will allow players to wear Guardian Caps during games starting in 2024 season.
This is an unexpected move – the caps don't look as sleek as the helmets & are a constant visual reminder of the risk of #CTE.
Do you think anyone will choose to wear it? https://t.co/N4yjO2OVJw— Chris Nowinski, Ph.D. (@ChrisNowinski1) April 26, 2024
Yall mfers better not be wearing guardian caps in game
— Jonathan Feliciano (@MongoFeliciano) April 26, 2024
“Ayo, this MF is wearing the guardian cap!” https://t.co/d295ufz1jb pic.twitter.com/ojBkoNnyXt
— Shaun Calderon (@ShaunMichaels98) April 26, 2024
This was the MLB guardian cap pic.twitter.com/DIFaQWnYFv
— Keith McPherson (@Keith_McPherson) April 26, 2024
