Titans’ Josh Whyle to Wear Guardian Cap During Regular-Season Game

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Josh Whyle, tight end for the Tennessee Titans, is set to make history by being one of the first players to wear the Guardian Cap during a regular-season game this Sunday against the Chicago Bears.

Whyle’s decision comes after experiencing his second concussion within a year, a factor that heavily influenced his choice to don the Guardian Cap. He acknowledged the urgency surrounding his health.

“I can’t mess around anymore,” Whyle expressed in an interview. “I want to stay healthy, and if this is what it takes, then I’m all for it.”

In training camp, Whyle missed two weeks due to a concussion he sustained when his head made contact with the ground during a catch in joint practices against the Seattle Seahawks last August. After a period in the concussion protocol, he returned to practice last Monday. His first concussion occurred during the Titans’ Week 6 matchup with the Baltimore Ravens in 2023.

The Guardian Cap is a soft-shell pad designed to attach to the outer layer of a helmet, which is aimed at reducing contact impact. This innovation has been approved by the NFL as an initiative to enhance player safety and decrease the risk of concussions.

During the preseason, six players incorporated Guardian Caps into their gear, including offensive lineman James Daniels from the Pittsburgh Steelers. Additional players from the Indianapolis Colts also tried the cap: safety Rodney Thomas II, tight end Kylen Granson, linebacker Grant Stuard, and running backs Zavier Scott and Jonathan Taylor.

Although Whyle participated in 10 snaps during the preseason, he opted not to wear the Guardian Cap at that time. Instead, he has now switched to the Riddell Axiom 3D helmet, one of 12 helmets that the NFL recently approved as alternatives to the Guardian Cap.

At 24 years old, Whyle is committed to ensuring his safety on the field. He humorously described his choice to use both the Riddell helmet and the Guardian Cap, stating, “It’s like wearing two Guardian Caps. I wanted double protection.”