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PJMcK

(22,037 posts)
Mon Feb 12, 2024, 10:16 AM Feb 12

A football question

In yesterday’s game, a number of players had a long piece of material hanging from the back of their pants. It almost looks like a flag football thing. It’s not large enough to wipe their hands on.

Any ideas what they are?

Thanks, in advance.

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underpants

(182,830 posts)
1. Sort of their own flair
Mon Feb 12, 2024, 10:26 AM
Feb 12

There are very strict uniform standards in the NFL. Socks have to touch the bottom of the pants. Barefoot kickers used to have to cut off the top of a sock and have around their knee. Most players these days wear tights and that covers it.

As for the piece of fabric, I think it’s just them presenting themselves and standing out a bit. I think it also distracts from their ass being visible.

Basically it’s an individual expression time thing.

PJMcK

(22,037 posts)
3. Thanks but I'm not sure that's it
Mon Feb 12, 2024, 10:39 AM
Feb 12

These were long thin pieces of fabric, maybe 2-3” wide by 2-3’ long.

I’ve seen Centers have a small towel on their backsides for the QB to dry their hands on but these ere different.

Wonder Why

(3,212 posts)
2. In case the player lined up behind them or an opposing player chasing them has a cold or Covid, it's a handy hanky.
Mon Feb 12, 2024, 10:31 AM
Feb 12

Silent Type

(2,910 posts)
4. I noticed some players with that too. Best I could come up with is a torn shirt or something, but not sure.
Mon Feb 12, 2024, 11:33 AM
Feb 12

AZ8theist

(5,477 posts)
7. You are correct
Mon Feb 12, 2024, 01:26 PM
Feb 12

Some players are tearing the seam of their undershirt to excess length and using it as a "towel".

It probably violates the NFL uniform standard.

Plus the need for towels in the NFL nowadays is very limited. Most players wear gloves that are super sticky even when wet, so proper grip on the football is not an issue anymore. However, in inclement weather a quarterback probably needs a towel to keep his throwing hand dry.
A 1 inch strip 4 feet long is not a towel, it's a fashion statement. By next season that will most likely be banned by the league.

werdna

(470 posts)
5. And the answer is - - - -
Mon Feb 12, 2024, 12:32 PM
Feb 12

What Is The Strap Hanging From NFL Players Pants?

The “strap” in question is, in fact, a specially designed towel. This is not just any towel, but a piece of equipment made from highly absorbent materials like microfiber cotton. Its primary function is to help players keep their hands dry, ensuring a firm and secure grip on the football. This is crucial in a sport where every play, pass, and catch can be game-changing.

https://nfl-schedule.com/what-is-the-strap-hanging-from-nfl-players-pants/

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