The 2024 NFL Draft got underway last night, with the first round commencing in Detroit, Michigan, for the first time in league history. A record six quarterbacks went in the top twelve picks, including the Atlanta Falcons shocking millions with the addition of former Washington Huskies signal-caller Michael Penix Jr. with the eighth overall pick despite signing fellow passer Kirk Cousins to a massive deal this offseason. The NFL is taking the time this weekend, arguably one of the most critical times on the league calendar, to push changes onto the following season.
Amidst the excitement of the 2024 league Draft, the league made a significant announcement. NFL insider Ari Meirov revealed that the league, under the leadership of Commissioner Roger Goodell, is furthering its commitment to player safety. The league has approved the in-game use of the protective Guardian Cap, a move aimed at reducing concussions and brain trauma.
NFL: Announces Approves In-Game Use of Guardian Cap
Starting next season, the NFL will begin a new era of player safety. Players will have the option to wear the protective Guardian Cap over their helmets during games. According to Guardian’s official website, this soft shell helmet cover can reduce impact by up to 33%, a significant step towards minimizing the risk of injuries on the field.
NFL players will be allowed to wear the protective Guardian Cap over their helmet in games this season if they would like to, the league announced. pic.twitter.com/F2aldAdfLN
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) April 26, 2024
Guardian’s revolutionary cap has become a staple in football at every level. The protective layer of padding added onto the helmet continues to find its use, especially at practice. Still, it could be used during the NFL regular season as early as 2024. The one-size-fits-all padded layer is worn by “300+ colleges, 3000+ high schools, 750+ youth programs, all 32 National Football League teams, and all 9 CFL teams,” per Guardian.
Fans: React to Guardian Cap Rule
The NFL has long defended the Guardian Cap’s effectiveness, with its standard use being during a team’s padded practice. Commissioner Roger Goodell hasn’t minced words about the helmet’s soft padded outside layering effectiveness.
“We’re trying to take head contact out entirely in some fashions. The Guardian Cap has been a very important change for us as it’s shown to reduce impact. It has been very effective and reduced concussions by 52%,” said Goodell about using protective outerwear for the standard helmet.
Although concussions will never entirely leave a game with a violent element like football, the reduction of concussions remains a focal point for the league. The league’s fans are also primarily pleased with the idea of protecting some of the more injury-prone superstars, like Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. The gunslinger has a long history of head injuries. Fans took to Twitter with many positive responses to the league’s ruling regarding player safety on Friday.
They need to make team colored caps, with logos, to make them blend in. I like the in-season use. Just gotta make them aesthetically pleasing to the eye
— Geezy🐺 AnybodyCanGetit 𝕏 (@Official_ACG) April 26, 2024
Will college and HS also allow? They should.
— Patrick Casella (@PatrickCasella) April 26, 2024
That looks horrible
— Lebron in 1 𝕏 (@Lebronin1) April 26, 2024
Looking horrible vs being able to grow old and be functional with your friends and family post-football.
— fried doing rituals 🇮🇪🤝🇵🇸 (@dadbodsrule1990) April 26, 2024
Goodell saw Antonio Browns Twitter and said we gotta do something
— Bandwagon Sports (@BandwagonSp0rts) April 26, 2024
How are people upset about players trying to protect their brain?
If this can help, it’s a good idea.
— YouGottaBillieve (@ugottabillieve) April 26, 2024
smart. If they want to use it, they can. If they don't, they don't have to. It's good they have the option.
— brian (@bnail77) April 26, 2024
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