The National Football League (NFL) is taking major steps to prevent concussions from happening in games. For the 2024 season, they have allowed players to wear guardian caps. They have also enforced harsher consequences for defensive players’ unnecessary and excessive hits.
Guardian caps are soft cushion pads that attach and cover the outside of football helmets. According to Guardian Sports, the guardian caps: “reduces impact up to 33%” which is a major aid in reducing concussions.
Guardian Caps were introduced in the NFL in the 2021 season. All offensive and defensive lineman were required to wear them during practices. Now, at the start of the 2024 season, all positions besides specialist and quarterback are required to wear guardian caps during training camp and practices. According to ESPN, “The NFL has adjusted its rules to allow players the option of using Guardian Caps in regular-season games to enhance their protection against head injuries.” As of now, through week four of the NFL season, seven players have worn a guardian cap. Some notable players are safety Jabrill Peppers of the New England Patriots, and tight end Josh Whyle of the Tennessee Titans.
The NFL has also enforced harsher penalties for defensive players for unnecessary hits and tackles. On September 22, during the third quarter of the Pittsburgh Steelers vs Los Angeles Chargers football game, Chargers Safety, Derwin James, was flagged for a major unnecessary roughness hit to the helmet to Steelers tight end, Pat Freiermuth. After the game, the NFL suspended Derwin James for one game without pay for repeated violations of unnecessary hits causing the chance of damaging players health.
This is great news to see for the NFL to be setting new rules to decrease the amount of concussion. Hopefully, as the 2024 season goes on more players will start to wear the guardian caps. The Derwin James violation will hopefully show more players to stop hitting players dangerously.