Information On American Football Gear

American football is one of the most brutal and violent sports played. According to a 2007 article in "The New York Times," retired professional football players have significant health issues ranging from brain damage to cardiovascular problems. Technology develops at such a rapid rate that each season brings new gear and greater layers of protection, while aiding the player carrying out his assignment.

Headwear

Helmets protect the head and brain from trauma. According to an article in "Popular Mechanics," helmets were optional until the 1940s and those worn between 1900-50 were leather. Since then, various plastics have constructed the helmet with different padding and cushions in the headwear to prevent injury.
Head injuries related to football became a focal point for the National Football League in 2010. The league released new guidelines in conjunction with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention regarding diagnosis and recovery from concussions.

Upper Torso

Pads cover two primary areas of the upper torso. According to USA Football, the governing body of youth football in America, "The basic function of a shoulder pad is to protect the player's shoulder, back, and chest." A girdle-style hip pad system provides coverage for the sternum, kidneys and waist.

Rib protectors offer special protection to the lower ribcage left uncovered by the shoulder pad set. These are typically worn by frequently tackled ball carriers, including quarterbacks and running backs.

Legs

Leg pad systems stretch from the waist to above the knee. USA Football reports that they product the hamstrings, quadriceps and bones from injury. Knee pads are in place to protect the joints from injury and shock from running.

Hands

Gloves are worn by nearly every player to gain better grip and protect the hands and fingers. Receiver gloves are worn by wideouts, running back, defensive backs and linebackers, as they have grips to maintain ball control. Lineman gloves provide padding and stabilization for the fingers and knuckles to prevent injury.

Shoes

Football players wear cleats, or spiked shoes that provide traction on natural or synthetic grass. The ankle height of each shoe and depth of the spike varies by position. According to USA Football, lineman wear high-tops for greater ankle protection and support, while speed positions, including wide receivers and defensive backs, will wear low-ankle shoes for greater mobility.