New England Patriots left guard Jared Wilson is not just participating in his first NFL championship game at Super Bowl LX against the Seattle Seahawks; he is also setting a significant precedent in player safety. On this notable occasion, Wilson becomes the first player in NFL history to compete in a Super Bowl while wearing the Guardian Cap NXT, an innovative soft-shell helmet cover designed to reduce the risk of head injuries.
Wilson’s journey with the Guardian Cap began after he sustained an injury during Week 12 of the 2025 regular season. He opted to wear the Guardian Cap for the remainder of that season, including the playoffs, showcasing a commitment to both performance and personal safety. The Guardian Cap NXT debuted in the Super Bowl, after being mandated by the NFL for practices in 2022 and receiving approval for regular-season games in 2024. Since then, over 24 players have chosen to wear theCap in games, marking a significant shift towards enhanced safety measures in professional football.
Erin Hanson, CEO and Co-Founder of Guardian Sports, expressed pride in having their technology highlighted at such a prestigious event. “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 has come and reinforces our mission to support athletes at every level of the game,” she noted.
Drafted in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Wilson has quickly established himself within the Patriots’ offensive line. Though he has faced typical rookie challenges and injuries, he has emerged as a critical player in protecting quarterback Drake Maye and the team’s offensive line. His decision to wear the Guardian Cap reflects a proactive approach to maintaining his health for the long term.
Although Wilson is debuting the Guardian Cap on a national stage, he is not alone in this endeavor. Previously, Jabrill Peppers was the first Patriots player to wear a Guardian Cap during games in the 2024-2025 season. Peppers, who has since joined the Pittsburgh Steelers, continues to advocate for the protective gear, emphasizing its positive impact on his game performance and overall health.
The Guardian Cap, which fits over existing football helmets, aims to reduce the severity of impacts during play without sacrificing helmet function. Increasingly adopted from youth leagues to the professional level, the Cap is part of a broader commitment to tackle player safety. Since its launch in 2010, Guardian Sports has further expanded its innovation portfolio, introducing products such as the LOOP flag football headband and bio-based turf INFILL.
Recent studies suggest that the Guardian Cap NXT is linked to a remarkable 52% reduction in practice concussions within the NFL, underscoring its importance in protecting players. With Wilson leading the charge, the technology is gaining significant visibility, potentially paving the way for a safer future in football.