In preparation for the new NFL season, players of certain positions have to wear so-called Guardian Caps. For Seahawks star Shelby Harris, the device is causing little enthusiasm.

Munich – There is an innovation in the NFL this preseason: certain players of the individual teams, among them linebackers and tight ends, have to wear so-called guardian caps.

This is a kind of protective cap, a soft, padded cover that is attached to the outside of the regular helmets.

However, this innovation does not seem to be generating too much enthusiasm. Seahawks defensive end Shelby Harris has now made it clear in conversation with US reporters that he has little use for the Guardian Caps.

“They’re stupid,” the 31-year-old put it, “I understand what they’re trying to do, but guys are going to start using their heads more because they’re used to not feeling it. And then they go into a game and the next thing you know they’re knocking themselves out. “

Guardian caps are not mandatory in season

To explain, the requirement to wear the extra head protection, which is designed to reduce the risk of brain injuries, ends with the second preseason game.

In Harris’ opinion, training with the device gives a false sense of safe time: “I honestly think you end up getting more hits to the head because you’re used to having the helmet pad on your head.”

He continued, “I understand what they’re trying to do with it, but I think it’s going to cause more problems later on.”

By the way, the caps are not supposed to help all that well. According to “NBC”, they only reduce the impact of a hit to the head by ten per cent.