Several NFL players wore helmets with extra padding, called Guardian Caps, in games for the first time Sunday in the league’s latest move to protect against future concussions.
The caps have been a regular feature at NFL team practices since 2022, with some players wearing them in the preseason. Now, a small number of players have opted to wear the modified helmets in games after the NFL approved the measure in April.
The earplugs attach to the top of the helmet and provide an extra layer of padding with a soft shell that absorbs initial contact. According to the manufacturers, the earplugs reduce the impact of collisions by 33 percent.
“We now have two years of data showing significant reductions in concussions among players wearing Guardian Caps during practice, so players will be permitted to wear the cap during games next season,” NFL executive vice president Jeff Miller said in April.
Jabril Peppers, who plays safety for the New England Patriots and finished Sunday’s win over the Cincinnati Bengals with six total tackles, has been an early adopter of the Guardian Cap helmet in games.
Peppers spoke about his decision after with the athleticand noted that if the temperature had been around 25 degrees Celsius, he would have opted not to wear it. A sleeve is required to cover the cap, blocking the air holes and therefore increasing the player’s temperature. The difference between Peppers’ helmet and a regular NFL helmet can be seen here at the Patriots’ pre-game huddle.
Explaining the positives of wearing the helmet, Peppers said, “It’s really for those plays where you can’t see a guy coming from the side and you get accidental contact to the head. But I don’t really feel anything with it on, so I like it a lot.”
“I’m a hitter, so the more protection I can get, why not? As long as it doesn’t impede me or slow me down, I don’t see why not.”
Other players wearing the caps Sunday included Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman James Daniels, Indianapolis Colts tight end Kylen Granson and safety Rodney Thomas, and Tennessee Titans tight end Josh Whyle.
Whyle explained to ESPN last week that he made the decision after suffering his second concussion in a year during training camp with the Titans over the summer.
“I can’t keep wasting time,” Whyle said. “I want to stay healthy and if this is what it takes, I’m all for it.”
The NFL reached a $765m (£584m) settlement with a group of 4,500 former players in 2013, after the group sued the league alleging they had been misled about the long-term dangers of head injuries while playing in the NFL.