The football world only held its biggest event, and Even if you are not a fanyou are probably set for Super Bowl 59. Between Kendrick Lamar of everything and Rematch between Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia EaglesIt was certainly a fantastic game. But it was also a pretty physical. The Eagles used a successful yet super -intensive defensive strategy that managed to turn off the managers the entire first half. It involved a lot of contact and collision, which raises the question: Why don’t athletes carry more protection?
Throughout the 2024-2024 season, the conversation swirling in the NFL has been about how players can better protect themselves against concussion with something called a Guardian. This cover cover is designed to reduce the impact of hits on the head. But rarely do you see players who wear them on the game night, even if they are mandates for exercises.
In October, when Miami Dolphin’s Quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa, stated that he would not wear aAlthough he suffered several concussions over the past two years, he quoted “personal choice.” But what about the others about 1,700 players in the league? And why isn’t Guardian Caps required for big games like Super Bowl?
Experts displayed in this article:
Daniel H. DaneshvarMD, PHD, is co -shacking co -chief of Mass General Brighm Sports Medicine.
What is a custodian?
Guardian Caps are soft, padded helmet protection that is carried over football heroes. Caps works by absorbing linear impact through the upholstery and reducing rotational forces as well, as they are not statically fixed on the helmet, says Jake Hanson, chief manager for Safety sportthat manufactures Guardian Cap. According to Hanson, each hat weighs less than seven ounces, and one size fits all ordinary football heroes.
“The capsurers are intended to reduce the battles during main collisions by absorbing power,” says Daniel H. Daneshvar, MD, Ph.D., Director of concussion for Mass General Brigham Sports Medicine. “They aim to provide additional protection against the concussion and non-concusive hits.”
Guardian Caps was mandate during the season 2023 At every pre -praxis, and this year, NFL allowed players to wear them during regular seasonal games. Many players still choose to carry them.
How effective are custodians?
“Although no helmet or aftermarket allowance can prevent or eliminate the risk of concussions and other serious head injuries,” said Hanson, “Guardian Cap has been shown to reduce the damage (card for main acceleration alert, which is used to measure measurement the severity of the main effect and the efficiency of the main up to 40 percent. ”
When the league tested the Guardian Caps in the football season in 2022, the groups saw to carry the caps one over 50 percent reduction in concussionCompared to the previous three -year average (excluding 2020). Dr. However, Daneshvar notes that this may be for several possible reasons, since the studies have not yet been reviewed and published independently.
NFL and NFL-affiliated researchers Has also reported The fact that Guardian Caps absorbs about 10 percent of the strength during a collision in lab settings if a player carries the cap and 20 percent if all the players involved carry them. Dr. Daneshvar explains: “Given that an average concussion occurs at about 80 (G-power), this means a hat (worn by a single player) would reduce an average concussion of about 72 g.” As a reference, according to a 2004 study suggested that evaluated concussion data from NFL to a 98G Acceleration put the athlete at 75 percent risk of injury.
Guardian Caps clearly helps reduce the risk of concussions from head-on collisions. An extensive scientific review has shown that Repetitive main impact in football can be followed by changes in cognitive function In the brain and More than 300 previous NFL players Has posthumously diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy, better known as CTE.
So why don’t wear more athletes who are protected caps?
“The Guardian Cap is carried by over 500,000 football athletes, but mainly in practice,” Hanson says. “When it comes to games, football players, coaches and fans are all habits, and all changes in any aspect of the game will result in some criticism.”
Dr. Daneshvar adds that there have been some concerns about potential changes in how the caps can change the gaming technique, and many have concern for comfort and fit, combined with the perception of extra weight or bulk. In addition, he says that some are still skeptical of Guardian Cap’s efficiency in preventing concussions.
For some players, fashion also has precedents. “Oh, I can’t tolerate them,” said Eagles Cornerback Darius Slay in a new interview, Per DaznA popular sports flow platform. “It affects my swag.”
As I said, it has increased a slow increase in adoption among other teams. “Hopefully more and more people are starting to wear them,” said Pittsburgh Steelers guard James Daniels Per Dazn. “I really think they help, so I’m glad NFL allows us to carry them.”
“I can’t move anymore. I want to stay healthy, and if that’s what it takes, then I’m all for it,” said Josh Whyle, a tight ending for Tennessee Titans I An interview with ESPN.
– Further reporting by Alexis Jones
Kaley Rohlinger is a freelance writer for PS that focuses on health, fitness, food and lifestyle content. She has a background in the marketing and communication industry and has been writing for PS for over four years.
Alexis Jones is senior health and fitness editor on ps. Her passions and areas of expertise include women’s health and fitness, mental health, racial and ethnic differences in health care and chronic conditions. Before she came to PS, she was a senior editor at Health Magazine. Her second bylines are available at Women’s Health, Prevention, Marie Claire and more.
