TIME Names Guardian Cap NXT 2.0 One of the Best Inventions of 2026

The Guardian Cap NXT 2.0 has been named one of TIME’s Best Inventions of 2026 in the Sports & Fitness category, recognition for the latest evolution of the soft-shell helmet cover that has helped reshape head protection at every level of football. 

What Is TIME’s Best Inventions?

TIME has published its Best Inventions list every year since 2000, more than two decades of spotlighting the products that push their fields forward. Making the list puts a product alongside the most important innovations of the year across every industry — from health care and AI to consumer tech and sports. For Guardian, it’s independent, editorial recognition that the Guardian Cap NXT 2.0 is not just a better-looking helmet cover, but a meaningful step forward in how athletes are better protected.

Why This Recognition Matters 

Each year, TIME spotlights the inventions changing the way people live, work and play. Every product is evaluated on four criteria:

• Originality: a new approach to a real problem
• Efficacy: proof that it works
• Ambition: the scale of what it sets out to change
• Impact: the difference it makes in people’s lives

For Guardian, landing on this list is a milestone for a product built around a single idea: better protection for athletes at every level of play.

“To be recognized by TIME as one of the year’s best inventions is an incredible honor for our entire team,” said Erin Hanson, Co-Founder and CEO of Guardian Sports. “We started Guardian because we believed there was a better way to protect athletes. Fifteen years later, we’re still challenging ourselves to improve, innovate and push the boundaries of what’s possible in sports protection. The Guardian Cap 2.0 is a reflection of that commitment.” 

The recognition comes amid significant momentum for Guardian Sports, which now has products used by more than 750,000 athletes worldwide. The company has also expanded its presence across professional, collegiate and youth sports, recently announcing NFL players Jalen Pitre, Romeo Doubs and Chris Olave as its first three Guardian Signature Athletes.

Explore TIME’s Best Inventions of 2026 at ti.me/best-inventions.

A New Look. The Same Commitment to Protection. 

Guardian Caps are soft-shell helmet covers that fit over existing football helmets. They’re engineered to absorb and dissipate energy at the moment of contact, reducing the severity of helmet-to-helmet, helmet-to-body and helmet-to-ground impacts.

The Guardian Cap 2.0 builds on that foundation. Available in both XT and NXT models, it delivers:

• Proven impact protection: the same protection as the original XT and NXT
• A sleeker, more helmet-like design: a streamlined profile built for game day
• Team customization: room for decals and team branding, so players can rep their colors without compromising protection

The Guardian Cap XT 2.0 is the lighter version of the NXT 2.0 named one of TIME’s Best inventions of the 2026.

Momentum Across Every Level of Play, From the Practice Field to Game Day 

What began as a practice innovation is now worn in practices and games across youth, high school, college and professional football. The Guardian Cap 2.0 is designed for that next chapter, protection athletes trust, with a look that belongs under the lights.

The TIME honor caps a year of growth for Guardian Sports:

• 750,000+ athletes: now using Guardian products worldwide
• Guardian Signature Athletes: NFL players Jalen Pitre, Romeo Doubs and Chris Olave named as the first three signature athletes
• A growing portfolio:  the Guardian Cap, Guardian LOOP 5-STAR VT-rated flag football headband, PEARL lacrosse balls, Guardian SoftShox Chinstrap and bio-based Guardian Infill

About Guardian Sports 

Founded in 2011, Guardian Sports is on a mission to better protect athletes at every level of play. Best known for the Guardian Cap, the company develops innovative sports equipment designed to reduce the severity of impacts and advance athlete protection. Its growing portfolio includes the Guardian Cap, the Guardian LOOP 5-STAR VT-rated flag football headband, PEARL lacrosse balls, the Guardian SoftShox Chinstrap and bio-based Guardian Infill. Trusted by athletes from youth leagues to the professional level, Guardian Sports continues to challenge conventional equipment design through innovation. Learn more at www.guardiansports.com.