Images(5)

Cover, Helmet

Object number2023.87.1

Date2022

MediumFabric; Polyurethane foam; Metal; Hook and loop;

Credit LineGift of Pittsburgh Steelers

DescriptionBlack and green cushioned helmet cover, meant to go around a football helmet. Black outside with bright green inside cushions. Four straps at the front of the helmet, secured by a snap button closure and hook and loop fasteners. Green cushions inside helmet have dimples throughout. Five slits around the top of the helmet, and a hole on either side of the helmet, meant to go over the wearer’s ears. White tags attached at the back inside of the helmet. Helmet has a hook and loop fastener on the back, which closes helmet. DimensionsHeight x Width x Depth: 9.5 x 9 x 12.5 in. (24.1 x 22.9 x 31.8 cm)
Inscriptions“18” handwritten in black ink on underside of white tag. On front side of tag, top of text is difficult to read. Legible section of text reads: “SPORTS. RESEARCHERS HAVE NOT REACHED A CONCLUSION / ABOUT HOW IMPACT REDUCTION RELATED TO BRAIN INJURY / The Guardian Cap is to be used in conjunction with a properly fit / and maintained helmet. Do not use any helmet or cap, alone or in / combination, to butt, ram, or spear an opposing player, as that may / result in injury to the user or the opposing player. Do not use the / Guardian Cap if it has been modified, torn, compressed, or / otherwise damaged in any way. The user assumes all risk of use of / the Guardian Cap and playing of contact sports.”
Historical NotesGuardian Cap worn by Diontae Johnson during the 2022 preseason. Johnson is a wide receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Label TextGuardian Cap worn by Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson during 2022 preseason. The evolution of football equipment has been key to making the game safer for players. By 2022, more than 2,000 high schools and 200 colleges used these protective helmet covers at practice. That year, the NFL mandated for all 32 teams that players subject to the most head contact— linemen, tight ends, and linebackers—were required to wear the caps in practices up until the second preseason game. Other players, such as Johnson, chose to wear them. Data from the NFL shows that if one player is wearing a Guardian Cap at the time of a helmet hit, the cap will absorb 11 to 12 percent of the force. If both players are wearing the cap and have a helmet-to-helmet hit, the force of the impact is reduced by around 20 percent.

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