The NFL has mandated the use of the Guardian Cap (or one of their approved helmets) for practices for four seasons now, but during games, only a handful of players strap on the additional padding to their existing helmet.
That could be changing as the League just approved a sleeker design with the Guardian Cap NXT 2.0.
The new version has the same 12-ounce soft-shell layer of padding, but it “features a sleeker surface that allows for advanced customization and team branding.”
Previously, players needed
to pull a fabric covering over the cap with their team logos, but now the branding can be added directly to version 2.0. The sleeker version makes it more aesthetically pleasing, which may lead more players to try it in games.
Here are the NFL’s 2026 rules for the Guardian Caps.
* Mandatory use during all contact practices (preseason, regular season, postseason)
* Applies to all positions except quarterbacks, kickers, and punters
* Game use remains optional, but players are permitted to wear Guardian Caps in games
* New for 2026: Teams can now choose between the Guardian Cap NXT or the Guardian Cap NXT 2.0
The NFL released information that the Guardian Cap significantly reduced concussions during the preseason practices. However, others believe studies continually need to be done to determine the true benefit of the cap.
