NFL player JJ Watt of Texas reveals that he would not wear Guardian Caps during games.

During the 2024 preseason, NFL players were given the option to wear protective caps over their helmets during live action for the first time.

During the regular season, some players continued to use the Guardian Cap policy, and at least one Steelers player was seen wearing a soft-shelled cap during Pittsburgh's win over the Atlanta Falcons in Week 1.

Other players in the league also chose to wear preventive headgear, like a handful of others.

J.J. Watt, the NFL pass rusher turned-television analyst, discussed whether the Guardian Cap would have been part of his uniform if he were still playing, as it was not widely available during his time.

Watt acknowledged that players have the right to decide whether to wear the Guardian Cap, but he stated that he would not use it during games.

If you want to wear it, feel free to do so," Watt said. "If it makes you feel safer, absolutely wear it.

"Personally, I wouldn't wear it, but everyone has the right to choose what they want."

In Week 1, Jabrill Peppers, a defensive back for the New England Patriots, was among the players who wore a Guardian Cap. Peppers, a former Michigan football standout, stated that the protective headgear provided an additional level of safety.

"Peppers stated that the helmet is ideal for plays where there is a possibility of unexpected contact from the side, but since he doesn't feel anything while wearing it, he enjoys it."

Pepper observed that the Guardian Cap did not hinder his performance on the field.

"I am a hitter, so the more protection I can get, the better. As long as it doesn't hinder my performance, I'm all for it," he stated.

During the game between the Indianapolis Colts and the Houston Texans, Kylen Granson, the Colts' tight end, chose to wear a cap.

Granson resisted the notion that the look of the caps should influence his choice to put the soft-shelled headgear on top of his hard-shelled helmet.

"Granson stated on Instagram last month that no amount of aesthetic could compensate for the effects of a TBI. He emphasized that it's not just the big hits that pose a risk, but also the accumulation of small hits."

The NFL conducted research on the Guardian Caps, which were introduced to minimize head injuries during contact between players. The caps are estimated to absorb 10% of the force of a hit.

Subscribe to the Planet Chronicle Sports Huddle newsletter and follow Planet Chronicle Digital's sports coverage on X.