Football is a tough and demanding game. It requires dedication, discipline and athletic ability. It also requires a uniform. A team of players must come out wearing the exact same uniform and that uniform has protective equipment underneath. At the professional level, the NFL employs people who check uniforms to make sure the players are dressed correctly. If they are not, both individuals and teams are fined.
Jerseys
A football jersey is the shirt that each member of the team wears when the team plays a game. It needs to be relatively tight so an opponent can't bring a player down just because he has a grip on the shirt. In the 1970s, tearaway jerseys were in vogue but they are no longer worn. Jerseys must be big enough so players can wear shoulder pads and other protective gear underneath.
Football Pants
Football pants allow players to slip protective pads into them. The most important pads are at thigh level. These are hard plastic protectors with soft foam underneath. They slip into pockets on the front of the pants. The pants also have elastic at knee level to allow players to insert knee pads if needed.
Socks and Shoes
Socks for football teams are often part of the matching uniform. The socks have to go up to the level of the pants by rule at the professional level, although that is not the case at the college level. The shoes worn depend on the surface that the game is being played on. Grass fields require longer spikes or inserts that dig into the ground and allow a player to get a foothold when he cuts in one direction or the other. Artificial turf fields require ripple soles that provide traction but won't stress out the foot or ankle.
Helmet
The most important part of the uniform is the helmet. It provides protection to the vulnerable head and brain and it is painted in the colors of the team. There is significant padding inside the helmet and many use air suspension to guard against concussions.
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