NFL Will Authorize Players To Wear ‘Guardian Caps’ During Games Starting In 2024

The NFL will begin authorizing players to wear “guardian caps” on helmets during games in 2024.

During a webinar about how the league has improved helmet technology and made other safety provisions with equipment, NFL chief administrative officer Dawn Aponte said the league has decided to allow players to wear a guardian cap during games, if they choose.

To reduce player risk and continue driving innovations in equipment technology, Guardian Caps have been authorized for in-game use this season.

Hear more from @NFL Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Allen Sills: https://t.co/PpqOBxEiHl pic.twitter.com/tXUlAaEDbR

— NFL Football Operations (@NFLFootballOps) April 26, 2024

The guardian cap was initially mandated for early training camp practices in 2022. The league expanded the requirement last year to include regular-season practices. Quarterbacks, kickers and punters are the only positions groups exempt from wearing the caps in practice.