Ravens WR Bateman 'Will Never' Wear Guardian Cap Helmet: 'Messes Up Everybody's Swag'

Some NFL players are choosing swagger over safety when it comes to the Guardian Cap.

The padded headgear is available for players to use in games for the first time in 2024. However, that doesn't mean every player will take the option, as some like Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman feel the awkward look of the equipment is a turn-off.

"It messes up everybody's swag on the field," Bateman said, per Turron Davenport of ESPN. "You will never see me wearing that in a game."

Tennessee Titans center Lloyd Cushenberry shared a similar sentiment, stating that the Guardian Cap looks "goofy" but that the safety aspect is notable.

"I don't know about wearing it in games," Titans center Lloyd Cushenberry said, per Davenport. "Swag over safety a little bit. It looks kind of goofy, but I get the safety to it."

The caps weigh around 12.5 to 14 ounces and attach to the outer layer of a football helmet. The company website for the equipment states that it reduces impact up to 33 percent. It was first mandated for certain positions in the early parts of training camp in 2022 and has only been further expanded since.

The caps have had a proven positive impact and some players, like Titans running back Tyjae Spears, are currently having an inner debate about using the equipment.

"The Guardian Cap might take the swag a few points down," Spears said, per Davenport. "I might wear it. You might not see those effects right now, but you got to get older. So, I think I'm going to protect myself."

The caps will feature team logos for the first time in 2024, so the look could be visually aided by that. As players begin to wear them more frequently, the jarring nature of the look could fade and the mindset of many may turn to safety over swagger.