What are those little armbands NFL players wear?

From what I understand, they are designed to give additional support to the muscle group above the band both for additional strength and helping protect from pulled or torn muscles. But, what do I know?

They are to help to keep a grip on the football as they run down the field holding the ball. They help to keep the ball from slipping out or being pulled away to cause a forced fumble.

@sueanne… that is what the high school team uses them for. so i think you are right.

hm… those both make sense. The thing is I see all different positions wearing them. Linemen, Running Backs, Linebackers, etc. But then a lot who don’t wear them. If it were for running with the ball, I don’t think offensive linemen would use them… but maybe. Just in the offchance they recover a fumble or something.

And also I saw a player wearing them below the elbow on sunday, which wouldn’t make sense if the muscle thing is true, at least I dont think. Could be he just had them on wrong. Or I don’t know what I’m talking about and it would help below the elbow too. lol

It’s not an armband…
The jersey is cinched up so that the material can’t be held by the opposition.
Makes ‘em harder to tackle.…

That’s my understanding….
But heck I root for the Seahawks…

@boffin: Seattle’s 3 and 11, right? not the worst in the league :D I mean, hey, they beat St. louis! and the things I’m curious about are the little bands right above his elbow, they’re not actually attached to the jersey.

Maybe I’m looking at the wrong picture…
Damn Scotch haze…..
Trying to forget 3–11 season….

lol I’m sorry. Didn’t mean to bring it up.

Many web sites offer credible explanations that these are pure vanity devices, with no rational physical function. They’re all image.