In 1999, sticky gloves were first introduced in football. They were made of a synthetic suede material and resembled a golf glove.
Where We Were
In the 1980's the NFL banned spray on sticky substances. The only reason for the ban was because it created an environment for players to catch the ball without effort, it also made it almost impossible to pass or hand off the ball.
The spray made it so that receivers could catch anything thrown their way. This made for some very one-sided games, and the NFL decided that it was unfair. So, they banned the use of stick 'em and other similar products.
Although it made for some exciting plays, in the end it was not considered to be in the spirit of fair play.
Where We Are
The reason for the introduction of modern sticky gloves was to improve the players' grip on the ball. In 1999, a Canadian wide receiver and a chemist in a Pakistan laboratory came up with the idea for a new type of glove that would be much more grippy than a human hand.
They created a polymer that was 20 percent stickier than anything that had been used before, according to a MIT study. and it quickly became popular among athletes who needed to be able to more effectively catch the ball. The material has since been improved even further, and is now used in a variety of applications where a firm grip is required.
The new generation of gloves made with this grippy polymer are some of the most popular on the market, and are sure to continue to be in high demand for as long as people play football.
Who Wears the Gloves? And Why?
Today, gloves come in all shapes and sizes and are used by both linemen and skill players. Many wide receivers now wear gloves to help them grip the ball better during a catch. Gloves also help protect players' hands in the event of cold weather and the rough environment for linemen.
Football linemen are among the players most at risk of hand injuries. Their hands are constantly in contact with other players and hard surfaces, making them vulnerable to cuts, bruises, and other injuries.
Padded gloves can help to protect their hands from these types of injuries. The gloves are made of thick, durable material that can withstand the rigors of the game. They have padding on the palms and fingers that helps to cushion the impact of hits.
The gloves also help to grip the ball and other players, providing better control and performance. As a result, padded gloves are an essential piece of equipment for football linemen. Also, some players wear gloves to help reduce the effect of moisture on their hands. This can be especially helpful for players who suffer from sweaty palms.
Whether you're a fan of gloves or not, there's no denying that they are here to stay in football. So, if you're looking to improve your grip on the ball or just keep your hands protected, make sure to give gloves a try.