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.

"I know all the head injuries I've had in my career, so it was just a decision I had made. I got kids now, I want to be able to live the long game, it's not all about football," Olave told reporters. "I want to live regular life after I'm done with football, I love my kids to death. I don't really care how it looks no more, I just gotta throw it on. Shoot, it did me good today, for sure."

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Olave didn't appear hindered at all by the Guardian Cap, as he tied for the game-high with 10 catches and set a new career-high with 182 receiving yards in Sunday's season opener. Despite his individual dominance, the Saints suffered a 31-30 loss to the Lions in overtime. Still, it was an encouraging performance for a rebuilding New Orleans team, as second-year quarterback Tyler Shough threw for 410 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions.

Per Fox Sports , Olave had suffered a concussion in three straight seasons from 2022 to 2024. He suffered two in 2024 that limited him to just eight games. In total, he's suffered four concussions in his professional career and five since starting college.

Despite his injury history, Olave is a franchise cornerstone for the Saints. The team signed him to a four-year, $132 million contract extension in July, rewarding him after he finished the 2025 season with career highs of 100 catches, 1,163 yards and nine touchdowns.

Olave's season-opening performance showed that he's ready to pick up right where he left off, and he will have a better chance at staying healthy while he wears the Guardian Cap.

Olave and the Saints will try to earn their first win of the year in Week 2 when they face the Baltimore Ravens (1-0) next Sunday.