It seems like just about every professional football player wears gloves these days, but wide receivers seem to be particularly fond of them.
Why is that?
Surely their hands aren't that much different than other players'.
Turns out, there are some very good reasons why wide receivers wear gloves; here are just a few of them:
#1 - Gloves Give You Extra Gripping Power
Wide receivers can run as fast as they want and make all sorts of nifty moves, but if they can't catch the ball, it doesn't matter. Football gloves give you a better grip on the ball, which is pretty important when you're trying to catch it.
The ball can get slippery when it's wet, and gloves can help you keep a firm grip. And even when the weather isn’t wet, your hands can sweat during a game, making it harder to hold on to the ball. Gloves help with that, too.
Tip: Look for football gloves that have a sticky, rubberized palm for the best grip.
#2 - Gloves Help Protect Your Hands from Injuries
Football is a tough sport, and your hands can take a beating. Just catching the ball isn't easy on your hands—not to mention getting banged around in a million other ways during the course of a single game.
Gloves can help you avoid blisters, cuts, scrapes, bruises, and more serious injuries as well. So, it's no surprise that smart wide receivers wear gloves to protect their valuable hands.
#3 - Gloves Protect Your Hands from The Elements
Whether it's cold weather or hot, sunny days, gloves can help keep your hands comfortable. In cold weather, they'll obviously keep your hands warmer. Some players even place hand warmers in their gloves for extra warmth.
But in hot weather, football gloves can actually help you stay cooler by absorbing sweat and keeping the sun off your skin. And when it's rainy or snowy, they can help keep your hands dry—gloves provide an extra layer between your skin and the wet ball.
#4 - Gloves Look Cool
OK, this one might be less important than all the other reasons gloves are important, but we think football gloves look pretty cool. They definitely make you look more like an NFL player, which is always a plus—and wearing them can make you feel more like one, too. Can't hurt, right?
Custom football gloves can take it a step further by adding team colors, logos, your name/team's name, and other personalization. It can also be a great way to show off your team spirit or show support for your favorite player—or just make a statement and help you stand out from the other players on the field.
The Bottom Line
Whether it's for practical reasons, style points, or both, there's no doubt that gloves have become an essential part of the wide receiver's uniform. So next time you see a receiver sporting a pair of gloves, you'll know why.
If you're looking for a way to step up your game, or just want to look like a pro, wearing gloves is a great way to do it. Just make sure you choose a pair that's comfortable, has a good grip, and suits your style.