American football can be a high-intensity, high-impact sport that presents the potential for serious injury to players without the right protection. Whether you are playing at a youth level, in high school or college or professional football, you must wear certain pieces of protective gear to keep you safe.
Helmet With Face Mask
One of the most essential pieces of football equipment is the helmet. Helmets are commonly made from molded polycarbonate, which provides a hard, protective shell without adding too much weight to the head. Inside the helmet is extra padding which helps absorb the shock from hits the players receive during on-field collisions. Built into most football helmets are face masks, which provide additional protection --- particularly against broken noses --- while still allowing the players to see.
Mouth Guard
Fitted mouth guards or mouth pieces are also important pieces of football safety equipment. The mouth guard serves two main purposes. First, it protects the teeth from being broken out or shattered upon impact. Second, it helps absorb shock and prevent a concussion when taking a hit to the jaw or head, the USA Football website notes.
Pads
Padding makes up a significant portion of what keeps players safe while playing football. Shoulder pads, leg pads, thigh pads, hip pads, tailbone pads, knee pads and rib pads are all essential items. Linebackers, receivers and running backs may also wear another, thinner set of pads beneath their outer pads, called "shock pads," to better absorb impact and prevent injury.
Gloves
Gloves are also used for protection while playing football. Gloves can vary based on position; some, such as receiver gloves, are designed to help catch the football, while others, such as linemen gloves, are better suited for protecting the palms, knuckles and fingers from injury during falls.
Neck Rolls
Neck rolls also play an important role in protecting football players, particularly defensive lineman and linebackers. The neck roll provides extra stability to the neck to prevent whiplash when the wearer is hit straight on by another player.
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