Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor’s new Guardian Cap probably made some fans do a double-take.
Bleacher Report Gridiron shared a post of Taylor donning a Guardian Cap in the Colts’ preseason opener against the Denver Broncos on Sunday. The cap is a giant pad that covers the helmet and is designed to prevent concussions.
In April, ESPN’s Kevin Seifert reported the NFL mandated the Guardian Cap for players at certain positions during training camp in 2022 and 2023. The league is letting players use the headgear during games this upcoming season.
While it may look a little odd, it’s difficult to argue with the results. NFL executive vice president Jeff Miller told Seifert the Guardian Caps resulted in a nearly 50% decrease in concussions for the position groups that wore them in camp the past two years.
Along with Taylor, Pittsburgh Steelers right guard James Daniels wore one during their first preseason game against the Houston Texans on Friday. He seemed to like it.
“My head doesn’t hurt, so that’s good,” Daniels told Brian Batko of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. “Hopefully, more and more people start wearing them.”
Some players would disagree with Daniels. Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle Jarran Reed recently lambasted the Guardian Caps.
“I hate them,” Reed told Dylan Ackerman of The Seattle Times. “I hate the Guardian Caps. I understand the safety for them, but I’ve been playing a long time. It just looks crazy to me. I don’t like them. I’m ready to take them off.”
Regardless, player safety is more important than aesthetics. The league should consider continuing to promote the use of Guardian Caps.
