September 17, 2024
CINCINNATI (WKRC) -Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has been placed on injured reserve, sidelining him for at least four games after suffering another concussion last week. This marks the third diagnosed concussion in his NFL career.
This latest injury has sparked discussions among teams and coaches about enhancing player safety.
The New Richmond Lions have become the first youth league in the Tri-State area to mandate all players wear a Guardian Cap over their football helmets. The league board voted unanimously to require the safety equipment, made possible by an anonymous donor.
The company behind Guardian Caps claims that the gear reduces the impact of hits and rotational forces experienced by athletes.The NFL has also endorsed the caps after testing them in certain positions.
“As a result of the last two seasons, we saw about a 50% decrease in concussions in the positions that were mandated to wear them. So of course, we said, okay, all positions will now wear them in this preseason,” said NFL Executive Vice President Jeff Miller.
This year, players were given the option to wear the caps during games, but only six players have done so: Cleveland Browns linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, Indianapolis Colts tight end Kylen Granson and safety Rodney Thomas II, Pittsburgh Steelers guard James Daniels, New England Patriots safety Jabrill Peppers, and Tennessee Titans tight end Josh Whyle.
So far, all three state athletic associations, and none have taken a stance for or against the use of Guardian Caps. However, players are allowed to wear the gear in games in each state.
The caps, priced at $70 each, may be a financial barrier for some teams.
The company reported that Guardian Caps are worn by 500,000 athletes nationwide, including more than 500 colleges, 5,000 high schools, and over 1,000 youth programs.