Why CJ Henderson’s Helmet is Bigger Than Falcons Teammates

Atlanta Falcons cornerback CJ Henderson is stepping into an important role on defense following an injury to star cornerback A.J. Terrell. Henderson will also stand out on the field because his helmet appears noticeably larger than those of his teammates. His helmet is not actually larger, but rather covered by a protective soft shell known as a Guardian Cap, which was first approved for regular-season NFL game use in 2024.

Henderson is using the Guardian Cap to help safeguard against head injuries after sustaining concussions during both the 2022 and 2023 seasons with the Carolina Panthers. A former first-round pick selected ninth overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2020, the 27-year-old cornerback is sticking with the protective equipment as he assumes perimeter coverage duties for Atlanta.