Matt Wilhelm on Guardian Caps
Guiding the Game’s Future
Matt Wilhelm went from national champion at Ohio State and Super Bowl winner in the NFL to his most important role yet, coaching and better protecting young athletes, including his son.
A standout linebacker at Ohio State, Wilhelm earned a full scholarship, helped lead the Buckeyes to the 2002 National Championship, and went on to play eight seasons in the NFL. Drafted by the Chargers in the 4th round, Wilhelm later spent time with the 49ers and capped off his career with the Packers’ 2010 Super Bowl Championship team.
But today, his most important role isn’t being a champion on the field, it’s being a coach and a dad.
Wilhelm started his own football journey in the 5th grade at an Ohio-based Catholic youth league, with his dad as his coach and his older brother paving the way. Now, he’s the one guiding the next generation, including his 17-year-old son, Mason Wilhelm, a talented player committed to the University of North Carolina.
And, Mason is wearing a Guardian Cap.
“As a coach and as a dad loving the game of football, I think all kids should be wearing a Guardian Cap. When I first learned about the Guardian Cap, it was an opportunity to present it to my son. I didn’t mandate it either. I just said, Hey, if this can reduce concussions by a specific amount based on the data that’s available, is this something you’d put on your helmet and be ok wearing?”
Matt Wilhelm, Former NFL Player
Why Matt Wilhelm Trusts Caps
For Wilhelm, the decision was about preparation as much as it was about safety. With Mason heading to UNC—where legendary coach Bill Belichick has the entire team wearing Guardian Caps at practice—Matt sees it as a vital step.
“I think it’s very fulfilling because, especially for a young man like him, who, you know, high school is not the end of the road for him. I’d much rather have him not only be safe, but be prepared to practice every day with it on his helmet now because he’s going to be expected to wear it each and every day at the next level.”
Matt Wilhelm, Former NFL Player
Mason Wilhelm Preparing for the Next Level
For Mason, the Guardian Cap has been more than just protective—it’s been transformative.
“When you hear that UNC is using Guardian Caps, I mean, using it now helps me to get prepared,” Mason explained. “They obviously are going to make practice way better, safer. Without it, it’s going to be a lot more injuries, more players getting hurt. Guardian Caps are going to help the program a lot.”
He also credits his dad’s experience with helping him embrace the technology:
“I would say it kinda helps show that he has the experience of having head contacts, injuries like that. So he helps me be prepared for anything that could happen injury-wise, stay healthy, and obviously be ready for the games.”
And after wearing it himself, Mason is a believer.
“The first time I saw it I thought it was really cool, like a big shield for a helmet. It obviously made the helmet bigger, but as I started wearing it more and more, it made me feel like it really worked. No head injuries, no headaches, no pain whatsoever. It grew on me and got really comfortable.”
Mason Wilhelm, Son of Matt Wilhelm
From NFL to Friday Night Lights
For Matt Wilhelm, the decision to put his son in a Guardian Cap is the same decision he’d make for any player he coaches. His career, spanning from Ohio State’s biggest stage to the NFL’s highest level, showed him just how much the game takes out of players. As both a coach and a father, he sees Guardian Caps as a simple, effective way to protect the future of football.
“Every generation wants to leave the game better than they found it,” Wilhelm said. “For me, that means making sure kids can play the sport they love—safer.”
“Every generation wants to leave the game better than they found it. For me, that means making sure kids can play the sport they love—safer.”
Matt Wilhelm, Former NFL Player
