We’re proud to announce our partnership with Jalen Pitre, safety for the Houston Texans, as he becomes our first official NFL Guardian Signature Athlete. Through this collaboration, we’re working to further promote athlete safety awareness across all levels of play, from youth leagues up to the NFL. 

As a Guardian Signature Athlete, Pitre is working alongside us as an advocate for player protection in football to encourage long-term health on and off the field. Whether it is through donating to the youth players in his community, or leading by example to his fellow teammates, he is determined to inspire taking proactive safety measures. 

Why He Started Wearing A Cap

After missing time in the 2025 season due to a concussion, Pitre returned to the field during a week 13 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts wearing a Guardian Cap. This made him the first player in Houston Texans history to wear our soft-shell helmet cover during a regular-season game. 

“Regardless of the level you play at, protection is the most important thing,” Pitre said, “Be proactive. Don’t wait until after you get a concussion. This is about continuing to push the game forward. Think about your safety now because that’s what you’ll have when you leave the game.” 

Caps in the NFL

Our Guardian Caps are designed to fit over existing football helmets, adding a soft padded outer layer intended to help reduce the severity of impacts by absorbing and redistributing force. Since we introduced them in 2010, Guardian Caps have been adopted across all levels of football as part of ongoing efforts to support player safety and reduce repetitive impacts. 

Guardian Caps are now mandated in the NFL for contact practices for all positions except QBs, Kickers, and Punters. Pitre firmly believes in the importance of wearing one in games, too- not just practice. 

“If the league – the highest level of football – is mandating that we wear something in practice for more security, why not wear it in games?” he explained, “There’s a reason why they’re doing that.” 

Giving Back To His Community

Beyond his own commitment on the field, Pitre is also partnering with us to donate Guardian Caps to his community, helping equip the next generation of athletes with protective gear. 

When asked why he was passionate about providing Caps to his community, he shared: “[To expose] the kids from my area to different levels of protection, help them and their parents understand there is a safer way to do this, and so their parents can be secure in the stands watching their kids play. That’s the biggest thing that I think about when giving back to my community and making sure they do have Guardian Caps.” 

“Jalen’s commitment to athlete safety reflects the values at the core of our mission,” said Erin Hanson, the CEO and Co-Founder of Guardian Sports. “Young athletes look up to the players they see on Sundays, and Jalen is helping lead the next generation toward a safer future for football. By embracing protection at the highest level of the game, he’s helping normalize athlete safety for kids, parents, and coaches everywhere.” 

When asked what message he hopes to send to younger kids nationwide, Pitre has a clear answer. “I hope my choice just inspires them to just think about [Caps] and think about their safety,” he said. “Why not get a step ahead today on your safety and on your future. I hope they’re encouraged by that, [because] why not add as much protection as you can?”