Saints' $132 Million Star Sends Sobering Message About His Decision to Wear Guardian Cap
Olave said he chose the protective shell after multiple concussions and a 2024 season that ended with retirement thoughts.
- On Sunday, New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave debuted a Guardian Cap during the team's 31-30 overtime loss to the Detroit Lions at Ford Field, marking his first time wearing the protective shell in an NFL game.
- Olave, 26, has sustained at least four NFL concussions throughout his career, including two in 2024 that forced him to miss over half the season and consider early retirement at age 24.
- Despite his health history, the fifth-year player recorded a career-best 182 yards on 10 receptions in the season opener, nearly tripling the yardage total of every other Saints receiver.
- The Guardian Cap is a padded soft shell designed to reduce impact force on the skull and brain, though the NFL did not approve it for games until 2024, and Olave had previously avoided wearing one publicly.
- Explaining his decision post-game, Olave stated, "I got kids now. I want to be able to live the long game," and confirmed he will continue wearing the protective headgear for the remainder of the season.
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Chris Olave Explains Decision to Change Helmet to Guardian Cap in Saints' NFL Opener vs. Lions
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave was seen wearing a Guardian Cap in Sunday's season opener against the Detroit Lions, and he explained after the game why he switched from his regular helmet.
Saints' $132 million star sends sobering message about his decision to wear Guardian Cap
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave was loud and proud Sunday about his switch to the Guardian Cap this season. Olave spoke to reporters after the Saints’ overtime loss to the Detroit Lions in their season opener at Ford Field in Detroit, Mich. The Saints lost 31-30 in OT despite a big night from …
“I Got Kids Now”: Amid CTE Fears, Saints’ Chris Olave Makes Emotional Admission About Wearing Guardian Cap Against Lions
Only those who have fought the battles know how deep the scars are. For New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave, his NFL journey has been marked by multiple injuries. Since things have shifted on his personal front, he is responsible enough to protect himself 100%. So no matter how unfashionable the safety gear looks, […]
Chris Olave resisted the Guardian Cap before. He proved Sunday that looks don’t matter.
DETROIT — A lot of things have changed for Chris Olave, including the things he cares about most, which is why he might have looked a little different on the field during Sunday’s 31-30 loss to the Detroit Lions.
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