Optional equipment

Optional equipment in American football refers to the clothing and safety gear players can wear while participating in a match. While some gear, like shoulder pads and helmets, is required for player safety, players can choose to wear other items of equipment based on their preferences and level of comfort.

American football optional equipment examples include:

Gloves: Many players wear gloves to strengthen their grasp of the ball, particularly during bad weather. Gloves may be worn by receivers, quarterbacks, and even some defensive players to improve their performance.

Visors and Eyeshields: To protect their eyes from glare or bright sunlight, some players, especially those who play positions like quarterback or wide receiver, may choose to wear tinted visors or eyeshields on their helmets.

Players wear wristbands that contain notes or information about play-calling. In particular, quarterbacks may use wristbands to track plays throughout the contest.

A neck roll is a cushioned piece of gear that fastens to the back of a player’s helmet and offers additional neck and spine support and protection. Defensive and linebacker players frequently wear these to help prevent neck injuries.

Knee Braces: For added stability and support, some athletes wear knee braces, particularly if they have a history of knee injuries or are recovering from one.

Mouthguards: Although mouthguards are typically necessary for player safety, players may wear specialized or custom-fitted mouthguards for increased comfort and security.

Ankle braces: Players who have experienced ankle injuries may choose to wear ankle braces to increase stability and lower their risk of re-injury.

It’s crucial to remember that even though some equipment is optional, players frequently base their decisions on their personal preferences and medical needs. Any optional equipment worn must still follow the rules and regulations established by the league and governing bodies because player safety is still the top priority.