JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The leaders of the NFL are always doing whatever they can to keep the players safe. In April, the league announced that players can wear Guardian Caps, which are designed to help reduce head injuries like concussions.
Doug Pederson, Jacksonville Jaguars head coach, said, "Look, it's all about player safety and that's one thing that the league is big on and we're big on supporting that."
The NFL debuted Guardian Caps in 2022. Then they were mandated during the 2023 season at every preseason practice, as well as every regular-season and postseason practice with contact.
"A good addition especially in training camp when we're in pads. It does protect against head concussions and has reduced some of those injuries," Pederson said.
"Whatever you can do to mitigate some of those risks that we take on within playing football. Concussions are a serious thing, not only while you're playing but after you're playing," said Christian Kirk, Jaguars wide receiver.
The NFL said the caps can reduce the force from head contact by 10% if one player is wearing it, and 20% if all players involved are wearing them. Jaguars' wide receiver Parker Washington said Guardian Caps feel seamless on a helmet. He remembers wearing one in college.
"Honestly, until you start wearing your helmet, you don't realize it, then they take a picture of you and you're like 'oh wow, I didn't realize I had that on,'" Washington said.
Wide receiver Christian Kirk appreciates the NFL gave players the choice to choose their preference.
"If they want to do it, they can, if they don't want to do it, then they have the choice not to. Just providing guys more accessibility to things that can help protect us while we're out there playing," Kirk said.