Patriot Guard Makes History in Super Bowl With Guardian Cap

Jared Wilson, the New England Patriots' left guard, achieved a historic milestone in Super Bowl LX by becoming the first player to wear a Guardian Cap during an NFL championship game. This protective gear, known as the Guardian Cap NXT, is a soft-shell cover retrofitted to football helmets to help reduce the impact of head injuries. Wilson began wearing the cap after sustaining an injury in Week 12 of the 2025 regular season and continued to use it throughout the Patriots' postseason.

The NFL has progressively integrated this safety technology, mandating Guardian Cap NXT use for practices in 2022 and approving it for regular-season games in 2024. More than 24 players have since opted for the cap in games, and Wilson's Super Bowl appearance has now brought this innovation to the forefront for a wider audience. "At Guardian, our mission has always been focused on athlete safety," stated Guardian Sports CEO Erin Hanson.

While Wilson's Super Bowl debut is notable, he is not the first Patriots player to use the cap. Jabrill Peppers wore one in a game setting during the 2024-2025 season. Peppers shared that the cap does not impede his play and has eliminated post-game headaches he previously experienced, calling it "a no-brainer."

Guardian Caps have been available since 2010, with the NXT model linked to a 52% reduction in NFL practice concussions. The company, Guardian Sports, also produces other safety equipment and continues its mission to protect athletes across all levels of play.