Panthers Robert Hunt becomes one of the first NFL players to wear this during a game
Jan 04, 2025
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (CHARLOTTE SPORTS LIVE) -- Carolina Panthers offensive guard Robert Hunt will be one of the first in the league to take a certain safety step.
On Thursday, Hunt was named the 2024 PFWA Tom Berry Good Guy Award winner as well as a second alternate for the Pro Bowl.
Carolina Panthers star cornerback Jaycee Horn selected to first Pro Bowl
Hunt is the only Panther to play all 967 of Carolina's offensive snaps and one of three Panthers to cinch the award.
Also on Thursday, Hunt announced that he will wear a Guardian Cap to face off against the Atlanta Falcons in week 18. The decision wasn't motivated by any health issues. Instead, Hunt, who is now a father, says he woke up one day and wanted to give it a try.
"I literally just woke up like, you know what, I'm about to try this, why not try it?" said Hunt.
"I think it's pretty dope. I think it's very pretty," Hunt said, displaying the helmet. "So, I'm gonna put this on this weekend, man, strap it up one last time for the year, see how I feel, and if it feels great, I'm going to go with it next year.
Grimsley High School defeats Rolesville in 4A state championship 35-23
Hunt's new Guardian Cap has a silver liner and Panthers colors.
Guardian Caps, now often seen during practice, are a layer of padding over the helmet that offers at least 10% absorption of hits, according to NFL data. This is the first season in which players can wear these caps in the game.