In the recent playoff game between the Indianapolis Colts and the Denver Broncos, a total of five Colts players decided to don the Guardian Caps for added protection on the field.
The most notable player to wear the Guardian Cap was running back Jonathan Taylor. Joining him were running back Zavier Scott, tight end Kylen Granson, safety Rodney Thomas II, and linebacker Grant Stuard.
In an interview with the Indianapolis Star, Scott praised the team’s medical and equipment staff for keeping them informed about the benefits of the Guardian Caps. “They’ve done the testing, and I don’t know the numbers, but they say it offers a significant reduction in concussions,” Scott stated.
Taylor, on the other hand, decided to give the extra padding a try, but he didn’t commit to wearing it in future games. The players seem to be grappling with the dilemma of prioritizing safety over aesthetics, as the Guardian Caps are described as lumpy and misshapen.
Interestingly, the appearance of the Guardian Caps varies depending on the color of the players’ helmets. While they blend in better with white helmets, they stand out more on dark helmets, resembling a bean bag chair with just a few too many beans.
Despite the less-than-perfect appearance, if the Guardian Caps truly help protect players from head injuries, it’s worth considering their regular use. As fans, we should also strive to become accustomed to the unique look that these protective caps bring to the game.