Guardian caps are soft-shell pads that are attached to the outside of helmets to decrease the impact of head contact and reduce the number of concussions football players suffer. Since their invention, over 500,000 football players across the country at every level have been using guardian caps, including the NFL, which mandated their use in practice for certain positions starting in the 2022-23 season in every practice from the beginning of training camp to the second preseason game, and allows players to opt into wearing them during regular-season games.

While not all studies attest to the efficacy of guardian caps, the league has reported a 52% reduction in concussions suffered by players in positions wearing guardian caps and boasts 12 years of on-the-field data supporting their continued use as a preventative measure against brain injuries. However, despite the profundity of scientific evidence released in the past decade about the risks and consequences of getting CTE from football and the proven success of guardian caps in mitigating these risks, why do only 5-10 NFL players wear them during games in any given week? The answer is quite simple: Guardian caps look atrocious, and NFL players want to look good. If you asked the average NFL player why they don’t wear guardian caps, they’ll give a similar answer. A player’s ‘swag’ is an integral part of their game; guardian caps detract from that.

While it may be easy to dismiss these concerns as superficial or shortsighted because guardian caps will “take the swag points a few down”, the reality is more complicated. Looking at a player’s incentive structure through an economics-based lens reveals that these decisions are grounded in a complex and real incentive structure that all professional athletes face, and one that the NFL needs to recognize if it hopes to secure the safety of its players. One helpful way to illustrate this tradeoff between ‘swag’ and ‘safety’ is through an indifference curve.

Indifference curves are tools economists use to model the utility or satisfaction individuals derive from different combinations of two competing goods or factors. In this case, the factors are ‘swag’ and ‘safety.’ Players wear guardian caps only if their safety outweighs the cost of looking less stylish.

A player who prioritizes long-term health and injury prevention will have a curve that values safety. A player who deeply values looking good and building a personal brand may have an indifference curve that bends in the opposite direction to heavily favor swag, showing they are willing to sacrifice a lot of safety for a little more style.

For players that value safety, the combination of safety and swag from wearing guardian caps lies on or above the indifference curve for guardian cap wearers, and thus is an optimal decision for them to make. For players like Kylen Gransen, even a bulky or awkward-looking guardian cap is worth it if it reduces the risk of concussions, because “no amount of aesthetic” could outweigh “what a TBI (traumatic brain injury) could do to [you].” While endorsements and brand deals might help players provide for their children and families in the future, it may come at the cost of remembering their children and families’ names.

Most NFL players, however, do not wear guardian caps. Many choose not to for the same reasons they might wear one shooter sleeve instead of two, let their back plates hang out, roll knee pads up to their quads, or turn pregame and postgame entrances into their own runway fashion shows.

To quote NFL Hall-of-Famer Deion Sanders: “You look good you feel good, you feel good you play good, you play good they pay good, they pay good you live good…” Prime Time’s famous mantra captures the psychology of many NFL players in a single sentence. 

In a league where contracts are short, careers are shorter, and public image can be just as important as performance, how you look on the field matters. NFL players are not just athletes–they’re brands. Their uniforms, cleats, visitors, and even celebrations are carefully curated parts of their identity that are scrutinized by millions of people every Sunday. A sharp or iconic look can lead to endorsement deals, jersey sales, and sponsorships. A bad look, however, can cost you recognition. NFL players are highly visible public figures, and their appearance is a critical aspect of how they market themselves. 

NFL players face opportunity costs, and in this case, they face a very consequential trade-off: Do you protect your name or your brand? Given that there appear to be somewhat mixed opinions on the effectiveness of guardian caps, NFL players are presented with the choice of either looking like a bobblehead wrapped in bubble wrap on Sundays in exchange for, at best, marginal safety benefits, or accepting the higher risks of having a permanent, debilitating neurological condition without damaging their brand.

While some players have overtly stated that, despite the added protections, “the fashion part” is the only reason they will not wear them, others feel that they won’t derive enough utility from the added protection. Some hitters, like Jabrill Peppers, value the added protection. Others, like Michael Wilson and Marvin Harrison, don’t see the need due to limited contact at their positions or a lack of concussion history. Kyler Murray suggested a “manly” stigma influence because other players may look down on those who wear them, implying that some players might perceive wearing them as a sign of weakness or fear of judgment from peers.

Given the state of the NFL’s current helmet technology, many players feel like they must choose: Wear safe, ugly gear like guardian caps, or stick with traditional helmets and have more autonomy in their image. While the NFL can solve this problem by simply mandating guardian caps for both games and practices, that may only create further backlash from players who see it as infringing on their autonomy or damaging their brand. Instead, the NFL should prioritize innovation and developing newer, more advanced helmets with better protection. One helpful way to look at this is through the NFL’s helmet technology Production Possibilities Frontier (PPF).

In their current state, guardian caps grant players a higher level of safety than current helmet technology alone does (as demonstrated by the combination of swag and safety offered by a guardian cap being at a point above the current PPF). However, for players who prioritize swag, there is no intersection between the guardian cap tradeoff line and their indifference curve, meaning that these players would never opt to wear a guardian cap even with the safety benefits.

The NFL, however, does not need to view this frontier as fixed. The NFL can continue what it has already been doing, which is introducing newer, more advanced helmets tailored to specific positions. VICIS’s new lab-tested and highly rated position-specific helmets, for example, offer greater protection against head injuries than other brands, making them a popular alternative. The NFL has also given players the option to wear guardian caps or new, innovative helmets. Pro Bowl safety Budda Baker, for example, switched helmets to avoid wearing the guardian cap in practice.

This should be the NFL’s path forward. This means investing in new helmet research, continuing to partner with forward-looking equipment manufacturers, and perhaps even allowing players to have a say in customizing their helmets. In so doing, the NFL can ‘push’ its PPF curve outward, offering helmets that look good and provide better protection.

The science is clear: concussions are dangerous, repeated head trauma even more so, and safer equipment reduces risk. The economics are also clear: adoption will remain limited unless safety gear complements player identity. Bridging that gap is the league’s responsibility.

The NFL has helped many players achieve the American dream. But that dream shouldn’t come at the cost of cognitive decline. If the NFL can shift the culture by recognizing the trade-offs its players face and expand the frontier between swag and safety, it can ensure longer careers, healthier retirees, and a safer, more appealing game.

Tyler Turman is an Acton Institute Emerging Leaders Fellow and partner with Stand Together’s Koch Internship Program.

Michigan’s Elite RB Turns Heads by Making Major NIL Move originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

The college football transfer portal saw over 4,000 entries between the winter and spring portal windows, allowing a plethora of teams to make significant additions.

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Although there were plenty of talented players in the portal, one of the hottest commodities was Alabama transfer running back Justice Haynes. The former five-star recruit spent two seasons in Tuscaloosa before deciding to transfer, with 247Sports ranking him as the No. 1 running back in the portal.

He ended up transferring to the program that handed Alabama its final loss of the season in the Michigan Wolverines, and will look to become the program’s featured back as it hopes to return to title contention.

While fans are already excited about his play on the field as he rushed for 51 yards on six carries in the team’s spring game, according to On3, they are also just as enthused about his ventures off of it. As shared to X on Monday, Haynes inked an NIL deal with Loom Juice, which will see him have an ownership stake in.

“Go blue! Loom juice will be stocked shortly,” wrote one fan.

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“NIL! Go Blue,” exclaimed another.

“Remember when this was the vision for NIL instead of who has the biggest donor base,” suggested a third.

“Equity ownership stake. The ichigan difference,” commented a fourth.

“Actual NIL! Very refreshing to see,” said another.

“OWNERSHIP over ENDORSEMENT,” added another.

According to the company’s site, Loom Juice is a “juice water” with no added sugars. They were named one of the best new brands in 2024 by BevNet.

As for Haynes, On3 currently has his NIL Valuation at $684,000, with this being his first recorded NIL deal since transferring to Michigan. The Wolverines will open the 2025 season against the New Mexico Wolfpack on Aug. 30.

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Related: Rule of Legendary NFL Coach May Prevent Arch Manning From Entering 2026 NFL Draft

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 2, 2025, where it first appeared.

Texas Longhorns freshman outfielder Donovan Jordan entered the NCAA transfer portal on Monday.

The 6’1, 210-pounder redshirted at Texas during the 2025 season after signing with the previous coaching staff ranked as the No. 429 player nationally and the No. 73 outfielder, according to Perfect Game.

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Jordan arrived on the Forty Acres with a strong swing efficiency built on his hip rotation to produce exit velocities in the 86th percentile, but wasn’t able to find playing time in a deep outfield for the Longhorns.

Following Sunday’s season-ending loss to UTSA in the Austin Regional, Jordan is the third player to depart the program, joining freshman outfielder Matt Scott and freshman left-hander Chance Covert.

More from burntorangenation.com:

foxr2001: Ok, on to some questions.

1, Who do you have as the second stringers for DE and DT (especially DT)? Aside from McDonald, we have a true 1-tech on the team?

2, Will either of the Armstrong brothers scratch the 2-deep this season? I believe when recruiting them one was recruiting as an OT and the other as an OG. Does it still look like one will play tackle and the other guard or are they going to put them in wherever needed?

3, Presumably Peoples and Donaldson will split carries this season, roughly 50/50. I’d think Bo Jackson will be the #3 RB given his potential and assuming he doesn’t do anything foolish like fumbling the ball a lot. SWD will then be #4.  Does Isaiah West redshirt? And do you see the order as Peoples/Donaldson, Jackson, SWD?

4, Which true freshman are you most excited to see this season? And if Sanchez, pick your second most.

Thanks Steve!

Helwagen: 1, Backup defensive ends seem to be Logan George and probably the new UNC transfer Beau Atkinson and then maybe C.J. Hicks as well.

Backup defensive tackles probably Tywone Malone, Eric Mensah, Will Smith Jr. and maybe Jarquez Carter, too. No idea who projects as 1 or 3 techs. Lot of experimentation in the spring.

2, I think there is hope for the Armstrong Bros to get on the field this year. They are still just redshirt freshmen and most OL don’t get in there till the second or third year. Let’s see how it all checks out in preseason camp. They are not among the top 8 OL overall right now.

3, I think you have a good handle on the RB situation. They managed it so well last year and always seemed to have the right guy out there at the right time. Peoples will be the Hendo and Donaldson will be the Judkins. But Bo Jackson needs to play, too. He looks like a stud. West was hurt in the spring, so I dunno.

4, Oh, a lot of them. Bo Jackson at RB, Quincy Porter at WR, Carter Lowe at OT, Jarquez Carter at DT, Riley Pettijohn at LB. Those are the big ones.

ButlerBuck: What year(s) do you remember being the year when college athletics went from trading an education for athletic services changed to who can get the most money for their school/conference? IMO the schools broke the contract before the players did. They have really devalued an education by focusing on the $$$.

Helwagen: Oh man, probably 15 years ago with that round of conference realignment that started to screw everything up and tore up great rivalries. That’s when the money started to really become insane and coaching contracts quickly went past $5 million to $8-10 million. Once that happened, they presidents and ADs had no leg to stand on. They needed to start sharing it with the athletes … and now they are. Toothpaste is out of the tube. We ain’t going back.

Among all of the Group of Five conferences, I would argue the Sun Belt is the league that brought in the least amount of talent via the transfer portal so far. The conference also saw a ton of talent move on with some transferring to other G5 programs while others went to Power Four schools. 

Regardless, there are still some players who transferred into the Sun Belt who will make a name for themselves early on, along with a few guys who stayed within the conference.

LB Luke Murphy, Coastal Carolina

There is an overhaul within the Chanticleers defense after they lost most of their starters to both the transfer portal and graduation. That means there are spots to be earned, and Murphy should claim one of the starting linebacker jobs. The Eastern Michigan transfer was second on the Eagles last season with 94 total tackles and added an interception.

DL Xavier Holmes, James Madison

Holmes was tabbed second-team All-Coastal Athletic Association last year following his standout season with Maine. He finished with 72 total tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, six sacks, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and one interception. He started each game the past two seasons and will be an immediate disruptor for the Dukes. 

QB Walker Howard, Louisiana 

After spending three seasons in the SEC, Walker decided to go back home to Lafayette, where he’ll have the opportunity to lead the Ragin’ Cajuns offense and potentially live up to his pre-college hype where he was ranked among the top QBs in the country prior to committing to LSU. He spent his freshman campaign with the Tigers before spending the last two seasons with Ole Miss. He never played meaningful snaps, but his dual-threat ability should help make Louisiana a conference title contender once again. 

DB Lucas Struck, Old Dominion

This junior college product was part of an Iowa Western team that lost in the NJCAA Division I national title game last season and was one of the biggest contributors on its defense. It will be a big step up in competition for Struck, but I think the redshirt sophomore will play a key role in this Monarchs defense. He finished last season with 62 total tackles and five pass breakups. 

DB Jayvon Henderson, South Alabama 

The Jaguars didn’t bring in a ton of players through the portal, but defensive back was a position of need. Henderson has experience playing both cornerback and safety. He was named to the Phil Steele All-Freshman team following his 2023 campaign where he started at corner for ETSU but transitioned to safety last season.

QB Braylon Braxton, Southern Miss

Braxton may be the biggest transfer addition in the league, which is unfortunate for Marshall that he transferred within conference. The redshirt senior was part of the mass exodus that left when head coach Charles Huff took the job at USM. Braxton was 8-0 as a starter last season and passed for 1,624 yards and 19 touchdowns while rushing for 610 yards and four scores. 

CB Josh Moten, Southern Miss

Like Braxton, Moten transferred from Marshall and should be one of the top defensive backs in the league this season. He was an All-Sun Belt honorable mention as a junior last season and finished with five interceptions, five pass breakups, and 38 total tackles. 

EDGE Kenard Snyder, Texas State  

Snyder returns to the Sun Belt following his one-year stint at Iowa State. There, he played in 10 games where he had eight tackles and two sacks. He played for ULM from 2021-23 and had back-to-back seasons where he posted 60 tackles and double-digit tackles for loss. He earned all-conference honors in 2023 and should return as another solid defender in the league.

CB Kaleno Levine, Troy

There is an opportunity here for Levine to earn a starting cornerback spot and help a defense that struggled against the pass last season and snagged just six interceptions. The Trojans are returning some starters on defense, including two safeties, so if Levine can fill a void, the Troy defense can improve. The senior had a breakout season for Missouri State last year where he tallied 50 tackles and six pass breakups.

RB Zach Palmer-Smith, ULM

The Warhawks lost a standout running back to the portal in Ahmad Hardy, but Palmer-Smith can be a solid replacement. Palmer-Smith finished sixth in the FCS with 1,392 rushing yards last season and added 13 rushing TDs. The Richmond transfer was named second-team All-CAA and rushed for 100-plus yards in six games. 

A few NFL legends have proven that retirement isn’t the end—it’s just a rebrand. Athletes like Tom Brady with his TB12 brand and Deion Sanders, known as Coach Prime, have seamlessly transitioned into successful business ventures, often collaborating with fellow NFL entities. Michael Strahan is no exception, having established a thriving lifestyle brand that resonates within and beyond the sports community.

Strahan’s brand isn’t just about fashion; it’s about forging connections. His ventures often involve partnerships with current players, reflecting a synergy between NFL generations. A recent event underscored this dynamic: Travis Hunter‘s wedding. Travis was already repping Strahan’s brand as an ambassador—so of course, he wasn’t about to leave it behind on the biggest day of his life.

Michael Strahan’s brand suited up Travis Hunter’s entire groomsmen squad for his recent wedding—an official Instagram post from @michaelstrahanbrand confirmed the partnership with photos and heartfelt appreciation. The caption read: “A huge thank you to Travis Hunter for choosing us to suit up the groomsmen on his big day! Sharp looks, with unforgettable memories. Exactly how it should be.” The collaboration with Travis Hunter not only showcases the brand’s appeal but also highlights the mutual respect between the two athletes. 

When Michael Strahan first announced Travis Hunter as an ambassador for his brand, it raised a few eyebrows. After all, why would one of the most accomplished NFL veterans pick a college player, albeit a highly talented one, as the face of his menswear line? But for Strahan, it was never about fame. It was about values. “This young man had the opportunity to select any school in the country, but chose Jackson State University, an HBCU. His decision demonstrates his character, his vision, and his confidence. He is also a great teammate. These qualities resonate with me and my brand.”

That sense of mutual admiration runs deep. Hunter, in turn, saw the opportunity as more than just a deal—it was a mentorship. “It means a lot,” he said. “He’s one of the top people you want to work with”, he added. Their relationship isn’t just a brand tie-up. It’s a reflection of two athletes—one a legend, the other a rising star. And truthfully, the quote Strahan gave about Travis might just apply to him as well. “Travis Hunter is a game-changer on and off the football field.” So is Michael Strahan. 

Michael Strahan’s wins keep stacking up—on and off the field

Recently, Michael Strahan took on a whole new kind of drive—literally. He led the pack at the 2025 Indianapolis 500 as the official pace car driver, cruising in a Corvette ZR1 and soaking in the roar of the crowd. It’s not every day a Hall of Famer trades cleats for horsepower, but for Strahan, it was just another chapter in a career that keeps evolving. “It’s an honor to be part of such an iconic event,” he said before the race. “This is the kind of energy I love—it’s electric.”

But while the personal stories add charm, the accolades also keep stacking up. Strahan was recently inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame, honoring his time at Texas Southern University—a moment that brought his journey full circle. He now joins the ranks of legends in both the college and pro levels, adding to his Super Bowl ring and his Pro Football Hall of Fame bust from 2014.

From suiting up in the NFL to now suiting up others for their big moments, Strahan’s journey is a masterclass in reinvention. And with Travis Hunter, it’s more than a business deal—it’s a bond. Travis isn’t just wearing Strahan’s suits; he’s wearing the legacy, the trust, and the respect they’ve built. Their connection runs deeper than a wedding wardrobe. It’s about one generation of greatness lifting up the next—not just with style, but with support.

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