NFL training camps are in full swing, and there's a noticeable different for the big guys on the field. There's literally a hat on their hats.
They look a bit like helmet koozies, but officially they're called Guardian Caps, a foam outer layer that goes atop the helmets of linemen, tight ends and linebackers. It's a new league mandate for this year aimed at reducing head-to-head hits.
The league passed a resolution last March requiring them to be worn in camp practices through the second preseason game.
The company touts the foam caps as being able to reduce impact up to 33% and is being worn by more than 200 colleges and 2,000 high schools across the country.
While acknowledging that avoiding head injuries is important, Saints players we've spoken with haven't exactly given the caps glowing reviews. Here's what they had to say:
DE CAM JORDAN
"I feel like a 2-year-old running around on the field today -- very headfirst. I love whoever made these regulations."
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"There's a noticeable change that they're going to say is not noticeable. But yea, you can feel it. And I'm sure in the next couple days when we get pads on I'll be able to tell just as much, because I've got a lot of moves that involve shaking and shimmying with the head, so I'm going to look like a big old bobblehead. I'm trying to do the right thing and be a team guy and walk this one out. We'll see how long this lasts."
TE ADAM TRAUTMAN
"It's a league rule so we gotta do it. But if they say it helps, I'm all for it. Everyone knows how serious concussions are, especially when you're banging heads with people on every play, up front especially. So I think they're a good idea. I wish they were a bit better ventilated, but I think it's a good idea for sure.
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"There's nothing in your vision or anything, so it's like a big mushroom."
OT RYAN RAMCZYK
"If they can help medically save something, that's great. I think it's backed by research, so that's a good thing. We haven't had a ton of contact yet so I haven't been able to really feel it out yet.
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"It feels slightly different but in my opinion it's not a big change.
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"At the end of the day it's so hot out there anyway that it's hot, you know, but it might be a little hotter in there."
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DT DAVID ONYEMATA
"I don't know why. I don't think it's doing anything, but that's up to the people up there.
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"You're still making contact at the end of the day. It's uncomfortable, but still it's the people up there, they've got their studies and their sciences."