Saskatchewan Roughriders running back Thomas Bertrand-Hudon made football history on Friday night.
The 27-year-old from Mont-Saint-Hilarie, Que., became the first professional football player to wear a guardian cap on his helmet during a regular-season game as the Roughriders took on the Montreal Alouettes.
Players have been allowed to wear the cap — a soft-shell cover worn on the outside of the helmet — in a game for two seasons now, but no one had done so until Bertrand-Hudon.
The CFL mandated the use of Guardian caps last year during training camp and all contact practices during the regular season. Their use was required by all offensive and defensive linemen, running backs and linebackers — and this season that was expanded to also include defensive backs and receivers.
According to the CFL, the introduction of Guardian caps and other measures led to a 42 per cent decrease in training camp concussions.
Meanwhile, the NFL has mandated the caps’ use at practices for some players since 2022. Quarterbacks, kickers and punters are the only remaining position groups not required to wear them during practice.
No NFL players are required to wear the caps during games, but they now have the option to do so, following a directive set forth by the league.
A few NFL players, including Indianapolis Colts star running back Jonathan Taylor, have donned the caps in this year’s pre-season.
We will now have to wait and see if any players follow the trend set by Bertrand-Hudon and do it when the games count for real.
— With files from the Canadian and Associated Press
In a groundbreaking moment for player safety in professional football, the first player to wear a Guardian Cap in a regular-season game has made history. The Roughriders running back, whose name has not been disclosed, took the field with the innovative protective headgear during a recent game, marking a significant step forward in concussion prevention in the sport.
The Guardian Cap is a soft-shell helmet cover designed to reduce the impact of collisions on the head during play. It is made of a lightweight, flexible material that fits over a player’s existing helmet, providing an extra layer of cushioning and protection. The cap is specifically engineered to absorb and disperse the force of impacts, helping to reduce the risk of head injuries such as concussions.
The decision to wear the Guardian Cap in a regular-season game is a bold move by the Roughriders player and a testament to his commitment to his own safety and well-being. By taking this step, he is not only protecting himself from potential injury but also setting an example for other players at all levels of the sport.
Concussions have long been a concern in football, with research showing the long-term effects of repeated head trauma on players’ health. The introduction of innovative technologies like the Guardian Cap represents a positive development in the ongoing effort to make the game safer for athletes.
As the first professional football player to wear the Guardian Cap in a regular-season game, the Roughriders running back is paving the way for others to follow suit. His decision to prioritize his own safety and take proactive measures to protect himself on the field is commendable and sets a positive example for his teammates and fellow players across the league.
In conclusion, the Roughriders running back’s historic decision to wear the Guardian Cap in a regular-season game is a significant milestone in the ongoing effort to improve player safety in professional football. By taking this proactive step, he is not only protecting himself from potential injury but also contributing to a culture of safety and responsibility within the sport. His actions serve as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing player well-being and taking concrete steps to prevent head injuries in football.