Star NFL Player Seen Wearing Protective ‘Guardian Caps’ During Preseason Game — Here’s How They Looked In Action

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The NFL is continuing its march toward becoming a safer league this year as it will now allow players to wear protective “Guardian Caps” during official games.

Having been introduced to training camps and practices in recent years, Guardian Caps made their live-action debut during Week 1 of the 2024 NFL preseason, as star Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor decided to don one in their exhibition game against the Denver Broncos.

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While the above video of Taylor is obviously suffering from some file compression, therefore making the picture far less clear than it would be on the average 50-inch TV, the cap is still almost indistinguishable from other helmets during live play.

In addition to Taylor, Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman James Daniels was also spotted wearing a guardian cap during the first wave of preseason games.

The data behind the effectiveness of Guardian Caps is undeniable as players who wore them during the 2022 preseason experienced over a 50% reduction in concussions compared to the three-year average before their implementation.

According to NFL rules, Guardian Caps are now required to be worn in practice by offensive/defensive linemen, linebackers, tight ends, running backs, fullbacks, wide receivers, and defensive backs. Less contact-oriented positions such as quarterbacks, kickers, and punters also have the option to wear them if they so choose.

Speaking on The Pat McAfee Show in early August, NFL Chief Medical Officer Dr. Allen Sills said he expects that guardian caps will be incorporated into the production of helmets in the coming years.

“We started the guardian cap requirement in Training Camp because we were seeing a lot of concussions you’d like to avoid,” Sills explained. “When the numbers came back after the first year there was about a 50% drop in concussions in the players wearing the caps…. My own personal belief is that in a couple of years, the technology that’s part of these add-ons will actually be incorporated into the helmet. That’s obviously the direction we’re going.”

Given the adverse impact that concussions have on players both during and after their playing careers, it’s likely only a matter of time before wearing a guardian cap becomes the norm in the NFL.