Multiple NFL players wore Guardian Caps over their helmets Sunday, marking the first time the equipment aimed at limiting concussions has been used during the regular season.
Patriots safety Jabrill Peppers and Steelers guard James Daniels were spotted wearing Guardian Caps—padded shells that fit over the standard football helmets—in the early Sunday afternoon window of Week 1 NFL games. Both Guardian Caps attempted to mimic the designs on New England’s and Pittsburgh’s standard helmets, as opposed to the logo-less shells players used league-wide during practices.
Guardian Caps have been used during NFL practices since 2022 but were only approved for game use this offseason. In the preseason, Colts running back Jonathan Taylor was the most notable player who tested out Guardian Caps in August exhibition games. Taylor did not wear a Guardian Cap during the Colts’ home opener against the Texans. The Steelers’ James also tested the Guardian Cap during the preseason and evidently liked what he experienced enough to sport it Sunday.
