Steelers' James Daniels Wants To Make Guardian Caps The New Game Day Standard

The Pittsburgh Steelers faced the Houston Texans in their first preseason game of the 2024 season. When the game began, only one player was sporting a Guardian Cap: James Daniels. Guardian Caps have been gaining popularity as the NFL continues its efforts to make football safer. Numerous studies have highlighted the brain damage football players endure over time.

The caps were first introduced in practice around 2015, and by 2022, the NFL mandated their use for specific position groups during practice. In 2024, the NFL allowed players to choose to wear them in actual games, and Daniels is believed to be the first player to do so.

Brian Batko of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette spoke with Daniels and his teammates about his decision to wear the cap. It’s not a popular choice, but Daniels firmly believes in it. Batko asked Daniels how he felt about being the first player to wear the cap in game. 

"Wow. I’m first in something, so that’s good, I guess," Daniels said with a laugh. "But that’s what I expected. I didn’t think I’d see anyone else with it on."

Daniels wasn’t expecting to have company when he decided to wear the Guardian Cap. However, several players around the NFL have joined him this preseason, hinting that the trend could be spreading as player safety gains importance.

Jonathan Taylor, the star running back for the Indianapolis Colts, also wore one during his first preseason game. He’s still deciding whether to continue using it in games. While the caps aren’t popular due to their perceived lack of swag, Daniels is willing to sacrifice style to protect his brain. Dan Moore Jr. shared his thoughts on Daniels' decision to wear the cap in a game.

"It just seems like it’s so embarrassing," Moore said, shaking his head. "But he’s just like, 'Talk to me in 10 years.' OK, James. I got you."

Daniels isn’t going to budge. His priority is preserving his long-term brain health so he can remember his grandkids’ ages one day. He’s willing to sacrifice looking good for lasting wisdom. Daniels hopes to set a trend by wearing the caps, aiming for every player to feel comfortable using them. He firmly believes in the benefits the extra protection provides.

"Hopefully, more and more people start wearing them," Daniels said. "I truly believe they help, so I’m glad the NFL is allowing us to wear them. Hopefully, every week, people start wearing them more and more. I’m excited for it."

The caps are soft-shell padding that attaches to the outer layer of the helmet, but they aren’t winning any style points. For players who subscribe to the “look good, feel good” motto, the aesthetic is less than appealing. Football helmets are often seen as a key part of the uniform's swagger, and while the caps might not be popular with everyone, players like Daniels see the sacrifice as worthwhile.

Several studies have explored the effectiveness of these caps. The research is mixed; some studies are skeptical about their ability to prevent concussions, while others suggest they do improve safety. As more players adopt them in games, researchers will have better data to evaluate their effectiveness. There’s even a possibility that the caps could become mandatory in the future, though when or if that will happen remains uncertain.

Steelers' Pat Freiermuth Not A Big Fan Of Guardian Caps

It will be interesting to see if other Steelers players join the trend. Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth, who has dealt with multiple concussions, seems like a player who may benefit from trying the cap out in game. 

However, Freiermuth made it clear he has zero interest in wearing the cap in game when he was asked about it earlier in the offseason. For now, Daniels is proud to wear the cap and hopes other players will follow his lead.

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