Before the 2024 season, the NFL approved the use of Guardian Caps for in-game use. A Guardian Cap is a soft layer of padding worn over helmets to reduce concussions and head injuries. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said Guardian Caps reduce concussions by 52%.
Despite strong evidence of the cap’s efficiency, only nine NFL players have worn one this season, down from 16 last season. This decline shows players continue to choose style over safety. If the NFL truly wants to protect players, it must make Guardian Caps mandatory.
One major reason for the push for added head protection is the concerning link between repeated head trauma and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, or CTE.
CTE is “a progressive degenerative disease of the brain found in people with a history of repetitive brain trauma, including symptomatic concussions as well as sub-concussive hits to the head that do not cause symptoms.” CTE can only be definitively diagnosed after death, but symptoms can include memory loss, impulsive behavior, depression and loss of control of bodily functions.
The scale of this issue in the NFL is especially alarming. A study of 376 former players’ brains discovered that 345 of them had CTE. In contrast, a study of 164 brains of random people found only one had CTE, and he was a former college football player.
Sure, Guardian Caps aren’t stylish. The extra padding makes helmets look bulky. Since only nine players in the league wear them, it’s easy to assume maybe they aren't as efficient as advertised or too uncomfortable for optimal performance.
However, players who wear Guardian Caps say that’s not true. Pittsburgh Steelers safety Jabrill Peppers called his decision to wear the cap a “no-brainer,” saying the seemingly clunky design doesn’t affect his play. Peppers added that the cap didn’t affect his performance and eliminated his post-game headaches.
Despite evidence and player testimony supporting Guardian Caps, there is an immature attitude from players toward wearing them. The consensus among players is the caps are too ugly to justify the safety benefits. This is where the NFL must step in.
Baltimore Ravens receiver Rashod Bateman told ESPN, “(The cap) messes up everybody's swag on the field,” and said he’d never wear one. Tennessee Titans safety Lloyd Cushenberry III said he prioritized “swag over safety.”
Dr. Melissa Anderson, an Ohio University assistant professor in the College of Health Sciences, said “culture plays a big role.” Anderson also said “we need to move past the outdated idea that toughness means hiding symptoms.”
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts claimed the caps cut off circulation and made helmets overheat. Researchers disproved this, stating Guardian Caps reduce heat by up to 20 degrees, with other factors like visors causing excessive heat.
This attitude is difficult to comprehend. Although the correlation between NFL players and CTE wasn’t discovered until 2002, with recent high-profile cases, players cannot claim ignorance. After former New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez died from suicide in 2017, researchers discovered he had severe CTE never seen in somebody so young.
Former Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre also fears he has CTE, attributing his Parkinson's diagnosis to numerous concussions.
Despite the statistics and horror stories, only nine players have opted for the safer option proven to prevent serious health issues. While players have the right to choose, many in the league are nearing an ugly territory when it comes to concussions.
As a Cleveland Browns fan, I watch cornerback Denzel Ward closely. He has sustained six documented concussions since entering the league in 2018. This high number of concussions is exactly what causes CTE, yet Ward doesn’t wear a Guardian Cap.
While the league can’t force players to change their aggressive play style, it can require equipment to protect against lifelong health issues.
It’s clear players are willing to sacrifice safety for style, so the NFL must lead this culture change before it’s too late — especially when 34% of former players believe they have CTE. Head injuries are serious, and the NFL has a responsibility to protect its players. Requiring Guardian Caps would be a critical step towards reducing injury and preventing long-term side effects.
Abby Shriver is a freshman studying journalism at Ohio University. Please note the opinions expressed in this column do not represent those of The Post. Want to talk to Abby about their column? Email them at as064024@ohio.edu or on Instagram @abbyshriver_
