Indianapolis Colts’ tight end, Kylen Granson, is taking measures to protect his brain from long-term damage by wearing a Guardian Cap over his helmet. The Guardian Cap, a soft-shell pad that players can attach to their helmets, has been adopted by hundreds of NFL players since the league mandated their use in practice for specific positions starting from the 2022 season. Having seen positive results, Granson plans to continue using the Guardian Cap during the regular season.
Granson’s concern over brain health stems from his familiarity with traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). He brought attention to the fact that it’s not just big hits during games that lead to TBIs but the accumulation of multiple, smaller hits over time. He used the analogy of a brain being like Jell-O that shakes upon impact — in the moment, such shakes might not make a significant difference but could have grave consequences down the line. Following the example of other players and in anticipation of protecting his brain, Granson decided to use the Guardian Cap.
Granson’s decision wasn’t just influenced by his past concussion after a game with the Jacksonville Jaguars but also by the tragic stories of Pro Football Hall of Famer Junior Seau and former New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez. Both players had taken their own lives and were later diagnosed with Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE). Granson’s focus on long-term brain health isn’t restricted to himself. He wants to set an example for the younger generation who idolize NFL players by demonstrating the importance of health and safety.
Besides his professional commitment, Granson also has personal reasons for his decision. He expressed his desire to be able to remember personal milestones. He hopes to remember the first dance at his forthcoming wedding and his future child’s first steps, even 30 years down the line. He shared that he wants his future children to prioritize health and safety by wearing helmets when they ride bikes.
The NFL reports of a 50% decrease in concussions among players wearing Guardian Caps during practice since 2022. While discussing the effectiveness of the Guardian Cap, NFL Executive Jeff Miller also highlighted that there are new helmets that provide even more protection than a standard helmet paired with a Guardian Cap. However, the decision to wear additional protective headgear remains personal, with some players feeling hesitant due to concerns about aesthetics.
Despite apprehensions from some of his fellow players, Granson is dedicating himself to the cause along with Indianapolis safety Rodney Thomas II. While he is aware of the potential for ridicule or being perceived as soft, Granson stresses that the issue is larger than individual players’ image. According to him, not only would safeguards like the Guardian Cap allow players to extend their careers, but they would simultaneously protect their overall health.
