The “Guardian Cap”a padded lining on the outside of the helmet, which aims to avoid concussions as a result of strong impacts, it is used by players starting this week with the start of the NFL prep minicamps for the 2022 season.
With this new technology soft pads covering the outside of the hooves, the number of concussions because of the strong contacts decrease. As reported by its own NFL it is during these first few weeks, after the league break, that players experience a higher number of head injuries.
This increase in injuries stems from a highest number of players looking to win a spot in the different formations, so that the contact in these practices can become more forceful and harmful than during a season match.
The use of this “Guardian Cap” was approved thanks to a resolution approved by the NFL Annual Meeting which takes place in March and forces players of certain positions to use these protectionss extras from the start of camp and until the second preseason game.
Based on analysis by the NFL development team, these protections reduce impact force in the head in a 10% if a player is using itand go up to 20% if everyone involved uses itmaking this movement a very important one in the search to reduce the concussions referred to as “avoidable“.
NFL owners have approved a mandate for all OL, TE, DL and LB to wear Guardian Cap helmet shells from the beginning of training camp until the second preseason game.
Goal is to reduce avoidable head contact. pic.twitter.com/EMFdvfDVOE
– Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) March 29, 2022
At this time, the resolution only requires linemen, tight ends and linebackers to use due to high rate of hull-to-hull contacts to which these positions are exposedbut in the first days of training, it has been possible to see players from other positions use them.
Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett drops back to pass while wearing a Guardian Cap during the first day of minicamp Tuesday at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. pic.twitter.com/j4PJDvGfwX
— Matt Freed (@mattfreedpghpg) June 7, 2022
While the league’s training camp is scheduled until end of julysome teams are already using these new protection accessories as safety measures. protection for your players.
The #Steelers wore Guardian Caps for Day 1 of Mini Camp – including Coach Tomlin.
Coach said after practice: It’s a new rule, it’s for their safety. We’re going to make it a non-issue for us and focus on our work. pic.twitter.com/yhKN4CvKBQ
– Missi Matthews (@missi_matthews) June 7, 2022
Mike Tomlincoach of the Pittsburgh Steelersa team that viralized the use of these protections on networks, commented during an interview why all the players on your team are using these protections.
It’s for your (players’) safety, we don’t walk away from these things. We take advantage of these things. We won’t make any trouble of this.
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin joins in with his team to wear a Guardian Cap during the first day of minicamp Tuesday at UPMC Sports Complex. pic.twitter.com/CJIeXhX9i0
— Matt Freed (@mattfreedpghpg) June 7, 2022
(With information from NFL)
