bullet sponge
n.— «Bodyguards serving politicians and others who crave public attention must learn to please the principal’s ego and maintain safety. Besides being a “bullet sponge,” in Kobetz’s words, responsibilities fall to planning events with safety in mind or serving as an observant personal assistant.» —“Real Bodyguards Say They’re More Mind Than Muscle” by David Mendell Chicago Tribune June 29, 2000. (source: Double-Tongued Dictionary)