The NFL’s offseason is in full swing and teams are currently undergoing training camps ahead of the start of the regular season. The NFL has tried to introduce new innovations regarding safety equipment and one of which is the Guardian Cap. The league required select players from teams to wear it, including the Houston Texans, whose players are not that fond of the new safety device.
In a bid to reduce concussions, the Guardian Cap was passed this year in March as the league deemed it a new necessity that must be worn by all offensive linemen, defensive linemen, linebackers and tight ends. Despite head coaches having emphasized its importance, players such as Texans defensive end Roy Lopez and Arizona Cardinals defensive end J.J. Watt are among those who say otherwise.
The Guardian Cap is a padded shell attached to the outside of players’ helmets. It was developed in 2010 and ten years after, it was first worn by some players during NFL practices. The new safety device’s debut this year is the first time that it covers select position groups across all 32 teams in the NFL.
Guardian Cap debuts in NFL training camps
The NFL saw great importance in introducing the Guardian Cap. The league claimed that wearing the new safety device would result in at least a 10 percent of severity reduction if a single player is wearing it and at minimum, 20 percent if all players are wearing it. Head coaches across all teams also have supported the introduction of the new safety equipment in training camps in an effort to prioritize players’ safety. However, whether this would extend to regular games remains to be seen.
“The recommendation of the Guardian Cap was an easy move. The research just continues to show that the cumulative effect of hits over the course of a long season, it matters,” Indianapolis Colts head coach Frank Reich said via the NFL.
Aside from Reich, Denver Broncos linebacker Bradley Chubb also voiced a similar tone. Chubb admitted that the Guardian Cap might be “a little heavy” but he was all in to support it.
“They’re a little heavy, but if they’re going to make us safe, I’m all for it,” Chubb told USA Today. “I know guys around the league all have to wear them, so it is what it is. … It’s all good with me if it gets us to the season and knocks down concussions. It’s all good.”
Lopez shares his thoughts
As one of those who are not fond of the Guardian Cap, Lopez admitted he disliked the new safety device and still appreciates the NFL for introducing new safety measurements. However, the standout DE said that he would take it off.
“I don’t think we like it. But they tell us to wear it and they tell us to protect us, so we listen and we wear it. They also say it doesn’t add warmth, but I’m not sure that’s true either,” Lopes explained.
“Even though I’m young, I’m surrounded by a D-Line room that has some veterans that are legendary for this game. They tell you how important everything is: taking care of your body, taking care of your brain, just your health in general. Finding peace outside of the game is something they express to us and I’m grateful to be in the space. But I will. Don’t be sad if we get to take these off.”
Former Houston Watt also shared a similar tone to Lopez. During the Cardinals training camp, Watt said that wearing it “feel like a bobblehead”.
“I mean, I think you know what I think of the Guardian Caps we’re wearing,” Watt said. “You feel like a bobblehead. Like you’re gonna fall over. I’ll probably get fined for this.”