Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins shares his thoughts on the Guardian Cap, a protective equipment designed to reduce concussions, as NFL players prepare for the upcoming season.
In a bid to enhance player safety, the National Football League (NFL) is introducing the Guardian Cap across the board during regular-season games. This protective gear has already gained traction among several athletes during the preseason.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins recently shared his insights on the Guardian Cap during an interview with Fox News Digital. While acknowledging the importance of protection, Cousins revealed his preference for his standard helmet.
Falcons QB Kirk Cousins Weighs In on Guardian Cap Use
"I do believe our starting center is planning to use the cap for the entire season," Cousins said, referring to teammate Matt Hennessy. "He's taking a proactive approach to safeguard himself, both in the present and for the long run. I support his decision."
Cousins emphasized the effectiveness of his current helmet in protecting him throughout his career. "Knock on wood, my helmet has served its purpose and kept me safe. I plan to continue using it while incorporating additional means of protection through prayers," he elaborated.
Falcons QB Kirk Cousins Weighs In on Guardian Cap Use
The Guardian Cap, developed in 2011, has been credited with significantly reducing concussions in training camps since its implementation in the NFL two years ago. The league's statistics indicate a decrease of over 50% compared to the average of the 2018, 2019, and 2021 seasons.
The Guardian Caps were initially introduced for training camp practices before the start of the 2022 season. Their use became mandatory during preseason practices in 2023 and all regular-season or playoff practices involving contact. Exceptions are made for quarterbacks, wide receivers, defensive backs, kickers, and punters.
Falcons QB Kirk Cousins Weighs In on Guardian Cap Use
Extensive research has shown that the Guardian Caps reduce the force of helmet-to-helmet impacts by at least 20% when both players involved are wearing them. In cases where only one player is wearing the cap, the impact force is still diminished by 10%, according to the NFL.
The NFL's analysis of training camp practices in 2023 revealed a seven-year low in concussion rates. This observation further supports the effectiveness of the Guardian Caps in minimizing head injuries.
Dr. Allen Sills, the NFL's chief medical officer, highlighted the positive impact of the Guardian Caps in a recent webinar. "The data over the past two years has consistently demonstrated a significant reduction in concussions among players wearing Guardian Caps," he stated. "It's likely that we may witness a player using the Guardian Cap during a regular-season game this year."
Contributions to this article were made by Fox News Digital's Ryan Morik and Chantz Martin.
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