Why Do NFL Players Wipe Their Nose Before Every Snap?

A lot of people have asked why NFL players wipe their nose before every snap. The answer is actually pretty simple.

The History of Nose Wiping in the NFL

The act of nose wiping in the NFL can be traced back to the late 1970s, when San Francisco 49ers head coach Bill Walsh observed that his players were constantly touching their noses during games. Walsh wondered if there might be a way to help them keep their hands off their faces, and he came up with the idea of having them wipe their noses with a towel before each snap.

The 49ers were not the only team to adopt this practice; by the early 1980s, it had become common for players across the league to wipe their noses before each play. Some players did it to keep their hands clean, while others did it to keep their glasses or sunglasses from fogging up.

In recent years, the act of nose wiping has become less common, as players have increasingly relied on visors and other forms of eye protection that do not require them to touch their faces. However, there are still some players who wipe their noses before each play out of habit or tradition.

The Scientific Explanation for Nose Wiping

Usually, when we think of nose-wiping, we imagine someone with a runny nose. However, NFL players are often spotted wiping their nose before the snap, even if they don’t appear to have anything coming out. So, why do they do it?

The scientific explanation has to do with olfactory resetting. In short, our sense of smell gets fatigued just like any other sense. When we repeatedly smell the same thing, we become less and less sensitive to it. This is why food always tastes better when you haven’t eaten in a while.

Nose-wiping gives the olfactory sensors a break so that they can “reset.” This allows players to be more sensitive to smells around them, which could potentially be helpful in identifying plays or opponents.

Of course, there are other theories as to why players wipe their noses. Some say that it’s a superstitious ritual that helps them focus or feel more prepared for the play. Others believe that it’s simply a way to buy some extra time before the snap.

Whatever the reason, it’s clear that nose-wiping is an important part of many NFL players’ game-day rituals!

How Nose Wiping Can Improve Your Game

For football players, maintaining focus during a game is pivotal to playing their best. One small distraction can cause them to lose track of the play, and the opposing team could take advantage of the situation. To help prevent any distractions, some NFL players have adopted the habit of wiping their noses before every snap.

While it may seem like a silly superstition, nose-wiping can actually help improve your game. When you wipe your nose, you are slightly altering your breathing pattern and forcing yourself to take deeper breaths. This deep breathing helps increase your level of focus and can even improve your stamina.

So, next time you see a football player wiping his nose before a play, don’t be so quick to judge. He may just be trying to give himself an edge on the competition.

The Different Ways NFL Players Wipe Their Nose

There are a few different ways that NFL players wipe their noses before each snap. Some players use a tissue, some use their gloves, and some use their jersey. Each method has its own benefits and drawbacks.

Tissues: Tissues are the most common way that NFL players wipe their noses. They are quick and easy to use, and they can be disposed of after each use. However, tissues can be expensive, and they can also blow away in the wind.

Gloves: Gloves are another common way to wipe your nose in the NFL. They are usually made of fabric or leather, and they can be reused multiple times. Gloves can be effective at keeping your nose clean, but they can also make it difficult to breathe.

Jersey: Jerseys are the third most popular way to wipe your nose in the NFL. They are made of fabric, so they are reusable, and they also provide some warmth in cold weather. However, jerseys can be difficult to keep clean, and they can also hold onto bacteria and other contaminants.