Guardian Caps are a “No Brainer” for Jabrill Peppers
Jabrill Peppers Brings Guardian Cap to Pittsburgh
When Jabrill Peppers takes the field this season, the veteran safety will be the second Pittsburgh Steeler to wear a Guardian Cap during live NFL action. Peppers, who previously wore the extra layer of protection as a member of the New England Patriots, says the decision was a “No-Brainer”.
“I started wearing it the year the league allowed it in games,” Peppers explained after a recent Steelers practice. “It doesn’t bother me at all when I’m running or playing. And when I’m hitting, I don’t really feel anything. Before, after some games with a lot of contact, I’d have a headache at the end of the night. Ever since I started wearing the Cap, that hasn’t been the case. For me, it’s a no-brainer.”
The added padding not only softens the blow of hard ground contact but also helps reduce incidental hits from teammates during tackles. While some players say the look takes getting used to, Pepper’s isn’t worried about appearances.
“I don’t really care [about looks], I’m here to play football.”
Jabrill Peppers will become the second #Steelers player to don a Guardian Cap in game action tomorrow. Here the newly arrived safety is on why he wears one: pic.twitter.com/sFym9ewRNo
— Brendan Howe (@bybrendanhowe) September 13, 2025
In fact, Peppers has become an advocate in the locker room, encouraging teammates to give the Guardian Cap a try.
“I always tell people to put that Guardian Cap on,” he said. “At the end of the day, whatever makes you feel your best, go with that. I just don’t see a downside. I barely notice it.”
Looking ahead, Peppers believes the Guardian Cap could soon become a standard part of NFL equipment.
“Probably within four or five years, I think the league will mandate it,” he said. “It just helps prevent a lot of issues. Football is a violent game—we all know the risks. But I think the Cap is something that will end up being required for everyone.”
