Guardian Caps, a comfortable and protecting helmet shell, have appeared all through the NFL as coaching camps kicked off this month.
Whereas groups at the highschool and school ranges have used the puffy helmet cowl for years now, the NFL just lately adopted them in an effort to scale back head accidents across the league.
Earlier this week, the NFL introduced that offensive and defensive linemen, linebackers, and tight ends, should put on Guardian Caps via the second preseason recreation, per a league decision again in March.
Whereas the modifications from the league are all within the identify of participant security, New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh believes the caps might have unintended penalties.
Saleh acknowledged the advantages of Guardian Caps however added that they may lead gamers into unhealthy habits, which can finally result in accidents.
“I do assume due to the comfortable blow, it is sort of lending the gamers to make use of their heads a bit of bit extra,” Saleh instructed ESPN’s Wealthy Cimini. “I do assume that first time once they take it off — anyone who has performed soccer is aware of the primary time you’re taking your helmet off otherwise you hit with the helmet or you have got a collision, there is a shock. I do assume that in the event you’re ready till the primary recreation for that shock to occur… I do not know, time will inform. It is simply attention-grabbing with these Guardian Caps and what precisely are we making an attempt to perform.”
Inexperienced Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur instructed USA At present’s Ryan Wooden that he “totally helps” the usage of the caps and believes the intent is “completely legit.” Nevertheless, like, Saleh, LaFleur sees some attainable points.
