Have you noticed the new Guardian Caps?
doubledragon
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in Sports Talk
For the first time ever, the NFL is requiring some player positions to wear a padded shell called a Guardian Cap outside their helmets during a portion of training camp.
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I think they actually have to wear them through the first two preseason games, a lot of the players don't like them.
Complaints begin regarding Guardian Caps, despite one important hidden benefit
With Guardian Caps mandatory for the first time in training camp practices, photos and videos of players wearing the foam helmet coverings are proliferating. As explained on Thursday, they’re mandatory for offensive linemen, defensive linemen, linebackers, and tight ends at all practices through the second preseason game.
Inevitably, some players aren’t happy with the change.
Cardinals defensive lineman J.J. Watt didn’t necessarily complain about it. But he did describe the “helmet for your helmet” as a “beehive on my head.”
Seahawks tight end Noah Fant’s comments were far closer to an official complaint.
“I’m going to be honest with you, I dislike them a lot,” Fant told reporters on Thursday. “I know they’re NFL mandated, so I’m not going to say too much. I’m not a fan of them, but some other people may be. I understand why, it’s just kind of bulky and I can see the little straps on my facemask and stuff which bothers me a little bit, but we’re going with it.”
He acknowledged that the change isn’t major, but that it’s still a change.
“It’s not heavy, it’s foam honestly, so it doesn’t really make too much of a difference of weight, but it’s there, that’s the only way to describe it,” Fant said. “It’s just one of those things that’s a little bit of an inconvenience but we’re going to roll with it. I know in the game I won’t have to wear it, so we’ll make it work.”
Broncos coach Nathaniel Hackett gushed about the Guardian Caps on Wednesday, despite acknowledging that “they are not necessarily the best fashion statement.” However, Hackett mentioned a hidden benefit for the foam helmet coverings beyond the potential reduction in head injuries for the players who are far more likely to have helmet-to-helmet contact during practices.
“I think it gives a little bit more protection to the quarterback if, all of a sudden, his hand comes forward, and it’s a little bit softer than a helmet,” Hackett said.
That’s a great point. Despite quarterbacks being insulated from getting hit during practice, the follow through when throwing a pass sometimes results a hand striking a helmet. Through the first two preseason games, that hand won’t hit something quite as solid, at least not during practice.
That makes it an even better device for promoting player safety, even if it is unsightly. If it weren’t, it probably would be required for preseason games — and maybe even for the games that count.
Jason Kelce poked fun at them by wrapping bubble wrap around his helmet.
And Jason Kelce showed up at practuce like that.
People were cracking up when Mike Tomlin put one on.
J.J. Watt doesn't like them either, he said it makes him feel like a bobblehead doll.
Personally, I think they look ridiculous.
They remind me of Egghead from the old Batman TV show.
Eggcellent.
They look ridiculous but if it adds a layer of protection for uneccesary hits to the head in practice as well as preseason games I can respect it
I want to see a photo of Aaron Rodgers wearing one, I can't find a photo of him wearing one, he's ducking me!
I will not rest until I find a photo of an egghead Rodgers.
Here, this will have to do for now.