First Guardian Cap in the Super Bowl

Guardian Cap in The Super Bowl

ATLANTA (February 9, 2026) – The Guardian Cap, a soft-shell cover that retrofits all football helmets, made its Super Bowl debut last night in Super Bowl LX. After the NFL mandated use of the Guardian Cap NXT for practices in 2022, the league approved the protective gear for regular-season games in 2024. Since then, more than 24 players have opted to wear the Guardian Cap NXT in games. This is the first time a player has worn the technology in the Super Bowl.
The Guardian Cap NXT was worn by New England Patriots rookie offensive lineman Jared Wilson, making him the first player in NFL history to compete in a Super Bowl while wearing the protective equipment.

Guardian Caps are designed to retrofit over existing football helmets, adding an additional layer intended to reduce the severity of impacts without changing the look or performance of the helmet underneath. Since their introduction in 2010, the Caps have been increasingly adopted across football, from youth leagues to the professional level, as part of a broader focus on player safety and reducing non-concussive hits.

After sustaining an injury in Week 12 of the 2025 regular season, Wilson returned to play wearing a Guardian Cap for the remainder of the season, including the Patriots’ postseason run.

“At Guardian, our mission has always been focused on athlete safety.” says Guardian Sports CEO and Co-Founder Erin Hanson. “Seeing our technology on the field during the Super Bowl is an incredible honor and powerful moment for our team. It shows how far the conversation of player safety and protection has come and reinforces our mission to continue to support athletes at every level of the game.”

Worn by Wilson, the Guardian Cap NXT is designed for college and pro players and has been linked to a 52% reduction in NFL practice concussions across all conditions.*

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About Guardian Sports

Founded in 2010, Guardian Sports is on a mission to better protect athletes at every level of play. Its flagship product, the Guardian Cap, was originally developed to reduce head impacts during football practice and has since expanded into game-day use across all levels of play. Guardian Sports also created the LOOP flag football headband, PEARL lacrosse balls, FLEX chinstrap, and bio-based turf INFILL. Trusted by athletes nationwide, Guardian continues to lead in safety-driven innovation. Learn more at www.guardiansports.com

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