Ravens wide receiver has a strong take on the latest safety innovation from the NFL

Don't ask Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman to wear a guardian cap in the game. He won't do it.  Earlier this offseason, the NFL permitted players to wear guardian caps during games for the first time, providing added safety for those who opt to use them. Bateman, however, isn't one of those players looking […]

Add as preferred source on Google
Jan 20, 2024; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) celebrates with wide receiver Rashod Bateman (7) and wide receiver Nelson Agholor (15) after scoring a touchdown against the Houston Texans during the third quarter of a 2024 AFC divisional round game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 20, 2024; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) celebrates with wide receiver Rashod Bateman (7) and wide receiver Nelson Agholor (15) after scoring a touchdown against the Houston Texans during the third quarter of a 2024 AFC divisional round game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports Image via Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports

Don't ask Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman to wear a guardian cap in the game. He won't do it. 

Earlier this offseason, the NFL permitted players to wear guardian caps during games for the first time, providing added safety for those who opt to use them.

Bateman, however, isn't one of those players looking for that added safety. 

"It messes up everybody's swag on the field," Bateman said, per ESPN's Turron Davenport. "You will never see me wearing that in a game."

Bateman chose not to wear the cap. Still, several NFL players have given the caps a try throughout the preseason. Most notable was Indianapolis Colts star running back Jonathan Taylor. 

Bateman isn't willing to take the hist to the overall look of his on-field swag. However, the safety benefits should outweigh everything else.