New NFL Helmet Accessory Reduces Concussions — But Players and Fans May Not Be Ready to Embrace Safety Over Showmanship

Fall kicks off football season in the United States, and with it, A parade of distinctively decorated helmets worn by the players.

Over time, the shape and size of these helmets gradually changed; leather headscarves From the beginning of the 20th century space age plastic domes something we are used to seeing today.

But the visual profiles of some NFL football helmets could change drastically in 2024. The league has approved the in-game use of padded helmet accessories known as Guardian Caps, which can “reduce the force from head contact,” according to the NFL. up to 20%.

A backlash has already begun. Some players complained that the devices were uselessAnd both fans and players were surprised at how the block-shaped accessory looked. makes players’ heads appear disproportionately large.

Because I’m working on it Cultural history of the football helmetI look forward to seeing what happens.

In a multi-billion dollar sport The helmet is the most important brand area and symbol of the gameWhat happens when the imperative for player safety conflicts with visual appeal?

We’re about to find out.

From the training ground to the playing field

It is secured to the outside of players’ existing helmets via snaps and Velcro straps. Guardian Hats It consists of a series of soft, linear pads connected by fabric.

After the hats were introduced in 2010, some college and professional teams gradually adopted them during practices. In 2022, NFL begins mandating their use in preseason workouts. At first, only offensive players and defensive players were required to wear them. By 2024, the league-mandated All players except quarterbacks and kickers wear these while practicing. In April 2024, the league will allow players to can wear these in regular season games at their sole discretion.

There seems to be good reason to encourage their use. Using data collected from all 32 teams, the league has to reduce the impact force of head-on collisions This rate increases to 20% when both players wear the device, and 10% when only one player wears the device.

Some scientists are skeptical According to the NFL’s closely held research data. However, the league is a A stunning 52% drop in reporting of concussions Since the devices became mandatory in preseason training.

Touting the safety benefits of Guardian Caps is a clear public relations victory for the NFL. Ongoing research on chronic traumatic encephalopathyor CTE and other traumatic brain injuries continue to show how damaging repetitive blows to the head can be to the brain, and football players are especially vulnerable to this damage.

Many players supported the league’s efforts Prioritizing safety, including Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylorthe first high-profile, skilled position player Wearing a Guardian Cap During a preseason game on August 11, 2024.

Players object

But the Guardian Caps launch story isn’t exactly a success – at least not yet.

Standard Guardian Caps weigh less 7 ounces (0.2 kilograms), many players use these heavy and hot.

Seattle Seahawks defensive lineman says ‘I hate them’ Jarran Reed told The Seattle Times:“I understand their safety, but I’ve been playing for a long time. It seems crazy to me. I don’t like them. I’m ready to take them off.”

“I can’t stand them. It gets in the way of my mood,” Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Darius Slay told CBS Sports:“My acting is part of my aura. If I don’t look the part, I can’t feel the part.”

Frankly, in a game this fast-paced and violent, the slightest differences—both physical and psychological—can make a difference in performance. And Reed, Slay and at least a dozen others They do not appear willing to give up their ability to maximize their performance in the field for the sake of increased security gains.

As significant as these players’ objections to the feel and look of the Guardian Caps are, that may not be the most significant problem the NFL faces in adopting them.

Tarnishing the brand

Simply put, many fans Guardian Hats There is uglyeven if they were covered with cloth Which mimics the look of the logos on the plastic shell underneath.

But why should the fans’ reactions matter? After all, they’re not the ones risking their health.

Moreover, for the first 75 years of football history, most helmets were ordinary. According to football historian Timothy P. Brown, the first helmets were made of plain leather “in various shades of brown or black.” So they all looked more or less similar to each other.like many team uniforms.” Until the 1940s and ’50s, The first plastic models of sports equipment manufacturer Riddell is starting to gain popularity, the potential of the helmet began to be realized as a canvas for decoration.

But a large part of the NFL’s incredible success is based on its visual appeal.

In the early 1960s, then-NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle observed that television, not ticket sales, was important. will strengthen the future financial success of footballHelmet branding was a vital way Introducing and celebrating the identity of an NFL teamFor television viewers, helmet logos have become more vibrant and colorful as broadcasting technology has improved.

Today, logos first appeared on helmets in the mid-20th century. multi-billion dollar brands with hundreds of millions of fans Worldwide.

The negative impact of Guardian Caps on the game’s appearance and the importance of this appearance to the game’s continued popularity have not been overlooked.

“Football is a very visual sport.” Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk wrote:“It thrives largely because of its television appearance.”

“With fancy helmets covered in lumpy coverings that look like sound-dampening panels, the atmosphere will be spoiled,” he added.

Fortunately for Florio and others who don’t like the look of the Guardian Cap, the NFL already approved and encouraged the use of six new helmet models It is claimed to provide protection equivalent to those wearing the Guardian Cap.

These models They don’t look much like regular helmets either. But they don’t look much like Guardian Caps either, and that could change everything.

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Noah CohanAssociate Director of American Cultural Studies, Arts and Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis

This article has been republished from: Speech Licensed under Creative Commons. Read original article.