The NFL has approved padded helmet accessories known as Guardian Caps to reduce head contact force by up to 20%, despite backlash about their bulky appearance.
Affixed to existing helmets via snaps and Velcro, Guardian Caps were introduced in 2010 and mandatory in practices, now allowed in regular games by 2024.
The Guardian Caps could reduce head-on-head collision impact by 20% if both players wear them, highlighting a significant potential for player safety reduction.
The cultural history of the football helmet reveals tension between player safety and visual appeal, especially in a multibillion-dollar sport focused on branding.
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