Why Do NFL Players Wear Towels?

Why do NFL players wear towels over their shoulder pads? It’s not just to look tough. There’s a method to the madness.

History of NFL players and towels

NFL players have been using towels on the field since the 1960s, when they were first introduced by former San Diego Chargers equipment manager Sid Gillman. Gillman, who is also credited with popularizing the use of Gatorade and position-specific cleats in the NFL, came up with the idea for towels after watching his players struggle to grip the wet and slippery ball during rainy games. The towels not only helped them keep a grip on the ball, but also allowed them to quickly wipe away any mud or other debris that might be obscuring their vision.

While Gillman’s original towel-wearing Chargers were certainly the pioneers of this now-common practice, they were far from the only team to adopt it. In fact, by the early 1970s, nearly every NFL team was using towels on the sidelines. Today, towels are such an integral part of football culture that it’s hard to imagine a game without them.

So why do NFL players wear towels? There are actually a few reasons. First and foremost, towels help players maintain a secure grip on the ball. This is especially important in wet or muddy conditions, when a slick surface can make it difficult to hold onto the pigskin. Towels can also be used to wipe away any debris that might be obscuring a player’s vision, allowing them to see more clearly and make better decisions on the field. Finally, towels can simply provide comfort or insulation in cold weather conditions. No matter what the reason, there’s no doubt that towels have become an essential part of football culture.

NFL players and towels today

Towels have become such an integral part of the game for NFL players that it’s hard to imagine a time when they didn’t exist. But how did this tradition start? players began carrying small hand towels to keep their hands dry during games. The towels also had the added benefit of absorbing sweat and keeping it off of their jerseys. As the game has evolved, so has the use of towels by NFL players.

How do NFL players use towels?

NFL players use towels for a number of reasons, the most common of which is to keep their hands dry. When it’s raining or cold out, the towel keeps their hands from getting too wet and slipping on the ball. NFL players also use towels to wipe away sweat and debris from their face and body, and to protect their eyes from the sun during outdoor games. Some players even use towels as good luck charms, or to send messages to other players or fans.

What are the benefits of using towels?

There are many benefits to using towels in NFL games, including:

– Keeping players’ hands dry and grip strong
– Preventing injuries by providing a layer of protection between players’ skin and the turf
– Absorbing sweat and other moisture to help keep players cool and comfortable
– Reducing glare on players’ vision by providing a surface for sweat to evaporate from
– Helping to keep footballs clean and dry for better grip and easier handling

Why do NFL players wear towels?

NFL players wear towels for a variety of reasons. Some players wear them to keep their hands dry, while others use them to wipe away sweat. Some players also believe that towels can help prevent injuries. Let’s take a closer look at each of these reasons.

To keep their hands dry

Players wipe their hands on towels between plays to keep them dry so they can better grip the ball. They also use them to keep their bodies cool and to ward off the sun and glaring lights.

To keep their bodies warm

One theory is that the towels help keep players warm on the sidelines. In cold weather, players want to stay as dry as possible to avoid getting hypothermia, so they use the towels to blot any sweat off their bodies. The towels also keep their hands warm and dry so they can grip the ball better.

To keep their bodies clean

The short answer is that towels help keep players clean and dry during games. When you think about it, football is a pretty dirty sport. Players are constantly getting sweat and grass stains on their uniforms, and they often come out of the game with mud on their cleats and jerseys.

Towels also have a practical purpose on the field. Players use them to wipe away sweat and dirt so that they can see better. And if a player happens to get blood on his jersey, he can use a towel to cover the stain until he can get to the sidelines.

NFL players have been using towels since the early days of the league. In fact, some of the game’s most iconic players, like Jerry Rice and Emmitt Smith, are known for their love of towels. These days, you’ll see players of all positions using them, from quarterbacks to defensive linemen.