Guardian Caps bring an extra layer of padding that’s meant to protect football players’ brains.
Since 2022, the NFL has required players in some positions to wear the cap for training camp and practice.
But getting players, from pros to high schoolers, to wear the caps isn’t easy. That’s despite research that links concussions to a degenerative brain disease called Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE).
The 25th Hour’s Max Mezo explores how culture may be getting in the way of safety.
Credits
Produced By Max Mezo and Nkele Martin
Special thanks to Ann McKee and Anne Crawford
Additional photos
2018 Washington vs. Texas photo by KA Sports Photos via Flickr CC BY-SA 2.0
Chase Young Tackle by Alexander Jonesi via Flickr CC BY-SA 2.0
BRAIN IMAGE w/ no background by holdendrils via Pixabay, Pixabay content license
American Football Ball Sport Game by Clker-Free Vector-Images via Pixabay, Pixabay content license
Toronto Argonaut player wearing Guardian Cap in practise, permission granted by CFL
Aaron Hernandez’s CTE Worst Seen by BU Experts in a Young Person via THEBRINK , permission granted by Ann McKee
Thomas Bertrand-Hudon wearing Guardian Cap in game, permission granted by CFL
Additional video
The “HARDEST” hits in NFL HISTORY!!! by dailyfb via YouTube
Guardian Sports via website
“Guardian Caps in action at Furman University” by Guardian Sports via Guardian Sports website
“Leading, impact reducing soft-shell helmet” cover by Guardian Sports via Guardian Sports website
Music Night Detective by Amaksi via Pixabay
