Guardian Cap Could Make Its Super Bowl Debut

NFL claims 50% reduced concussion risk, but manufacturer doesn't back the claim.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 10:55pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Guardian Cap, an oversized, soft-shelled helmet cover, has been embraced by the NFL as a safety upgrade, with the league claiming it has helped cut concussions in certain practice settings by more than half. However, the manufacturer itself avoids promising concussion protection, stating that "no helmet, headgear or chin strap can prevent or eliminate the risk of concussions." Independent research has found only limited benefits, with one study showing a 9% reduction in "head impact severity" and another finding no association between cap use and lower concussion rates.

Why it matters

The Guardian Cap's use in the NFL highlights the ongoing debate around player safety and the effectiveness of protective equipment in preventing long-term brain damage. While the league promotes the cap as a significant safety improvement, the manufacturer's own disclaimer and independent research suggest more modest benefits, raising questions about the claims and the broader issue of concussion prevention in football.

The details

The Guardian Cap, introduced in 2012, is a soft-shelled helmet cover that is worn over a standard helmet. The NFL has embraced the cap, claiming it has helped cut concussions in certain practice settings by more than 50%. However, the manufacturer, Guardian Sports, avoids promising concussion protection, stating that "no helmet, headgear or chin strap can prevent or eliminate the risk of concussions." Guardian Sports co-founder Erin Hanson says the goal of the caps is to dampen the thousands of smaller hits linked to long-term brain damage, not to stop concussions outright. Independent research has found only limited benefits, with one study showing a 9% reduction in "head impact severity" and another finding no association between cap use and lower concussion rates. A small study of college players found the caps had "no on-field effect on head impact magnitude or frequency."

  • The Guardian Cap was introduced in 2012.
  • The NFL embraced the cap and required its use in certain practice settings a decade later, in 2022.

The players

Guardian Sports

The Atlanta-area company that manufactures the Guardian Cap.

Erin Hanson

The co-founder of Guardian Sports.

Kevin Dotson

A Rams lineman who has worn the Guardian Cap in games.

Jared Wilson

A Patriots lineman who has worn the Guardian Cap in games.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“No helmet, headgear or chin strap can prevent or eliminate the risk of concussions.”

— Guardian Sports (newser.com)

“It's really, really difficult to get a picture of what you're doing for long term health from short-term studies with small sample sizes.”

— Erin Hanson, Co-founder, Guardian Sports (Louisville Courier Journal)

What’s next

The NFL will continue to promote the use of the Guardian Cap, while independent researchers will likely conduct further studies to assess its long-term impact on player safety.

The takeaway

The Guardian Cap's use in the NFL highlights the ongoing challenges in balancing player safety and the effectiveness of protective equipment. While the league touts the cap's benefits, the manufacturer's own disclaimer and independent research suggest more modest improvements, underscoring the need for continued scrutiny and evidence-based approaches to concussion prevention in football.