Why Do Football Players Wear Eye Black? It Isn't Just to Look More Intimidating

Jan. 29 2024, Published 11:25 a.m. ET

Football players wear a lot more than pads, helmets, mouthguards, and uniforms to play the game. You've most certainly noticed several different parts of both school and NFL players' apparel upon storming the field, from a hand-warming pouch to socks that have to be worn above the knee.

Some of the sides of a football participant's look are obviously integrated for function, whilst others may leave you scratching your head. Like, what is that piece of cloth that hangs down from their rear ends?

Another example is eye black. Is this commonplace addition to what players wear to stand off in opposition to competition simply to make them glance extra intimidating?

Well, it turns out that football players wear eye black for very particular reasons. Read on to determine what they're.

So, why do football players wear eye black?

For many football players, painting on eye black is a part of their routine for each game. Beyond this feature appearing somewhat frightening, frankly, eye black serves a purpose that can give players a bit little bit of a leg up.

Indeed, eye black painted underneath the eyes can block each the sun's rays and overhead floodlights in the stadium, eliminating any attainable glare and allowing players to see what's going on at the field extra clearly.

But that isn't the full story.

Football players were dressed in eye black for Eighty years — but does it work?

The first known use of eye black was once by football participant Andy Farkas, #44 of the Washington Redskins, in 1942.

The use of eye black changed into quite common a number of the football community from that point forward, but whether or not it really works remains to be up for debate.

It has been studied and confirmed that the grease sticks do paintings for the intended use, however as of late's eye black stickers are much less efficient.

Ultimately, it kind of feels that dressed in eye black is a non-public desire as a result of not all players use it.

Some players, including Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa have adopted their very own interpretation of eye black, and paint crosses on their cheeks using the grease.

"First and foremost, I’d just like to give all the glory to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,” he declared about the choice, going on to cite scripture.

Former Tennessee Titans safety Kenny Vaccaro said in 2020 that painting a cross on his face was very meaningful for him as well.

"I’ve all the time wanted to do it, but, you recognize, most of these laws and stuff, I did not know what you'll or can't do. But it manner so much to me," Kenny explained.

Kenny also said, "Just working out that I'm going into battle asking God to look at over me, from the crown of my helmet to the only of my toes. I say it all the time when I pray. Kind of remind myself it’s already written. Just cross out there and play. Go play unfastened. Don’t fear anyone."

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