What Gloves Do NFL Players Wear

NFL players wear a variety of gloves depending on their position and personal preference. There are two essential football gloves: receiver/skill position gloves and lineman gloves. Receiver/skill position gloves are designed for receivers, running backs, and defensive backs to enhance their grip on the ball. Lineman gloves, on the other hand, offer more protection and padding.

One of the most popular brands among NFL players is Nike, specifically the Vapor Jet model. These gloves have been a top choice for over a decade due to their snug fit and Magnigrip technology, which makes them stickier than most other brands. The Nike Superbad 6.0 is a common choice among "big skill" positions.

Other notable brands include Under Armour, Adidas, Grip Boost, and Nxtrnd. The Under Armour Spotlight, for instance, features a "Glue Grip" that remains sticky for a long time and is made of a comfortable "Microthread" fiber. Nxtrnd's G1 model gloves are lightweight, comfortable, and have a sticky palm.

While gloves provide better grip, weather protection, and style, not all players wear them. Some prefer to maximize their hand feeling and opt to play barehanded. However, for those who do wear gloves, they must adhere to NFL rules. According to Rule 5, Section 4, Article 4, Item 8 of the NFL rule book, players may wear gloves with a tackified surface if the substance does not adhere to the football or cause handling problems for players.

The cost of football gloves can vary based on brand quality and type. They can range from inexpensive ($15-$35), mid-range ($35-$60), to expensive ($60-$100). Despite the cost, NFL players receive their gloves for free, which results in high waste. For youth players who may only be able to afford one pair for an entire season, maintaining the tackiness of the gloves can be a challenge.