Football Arm Bands Explained (Reasons & 3 Misconceptions)

Football is a sport of countless details and things both players and fans do. One of them is armbands that often lift conversation and wonder. Why do football players wear armbands, and what’s their purpose? Stick with me, and you’ll learn just that, among other things!

Football players wear bands on their arms only for cosmetic purposes and self-expression. These thin cotton sweatbands are used to look good to feel good, and when players feel good, they play well. It’s reported that the armbands are used for soaking up sweat and muscle protection, but this isn’t true.

This is confirmed by George Wrighster III, a former college football and NFL player. However, it doesen’t surprise me when people think they are used to preventing sweat from reaching the palm, as I thought so too when I didn’t know better.

The armbands look amazing and would boost my confidence to the roof when thousands of fans were screaming at the stadium. The best part is that there are various models and types of armbands, so each player can select one for their taste and express themselves as they see fit.

The most common armband style is a basic white cotton band worn around the arm or bicep. To impress the viewers and feel good, an armband such as Nike Skinny Dri Fit Band is a very popular model amongst football players, and it doesen’t surprise me.

Now, stick with me while I explain to you the three misconceptions people often have about football armbands, and you will be richer with fascinating information to shine with when explaining it to those who doesen’t know.

Misconceptions Considering Football Arm Bands

The common misconceptions and beliefs considering football armbands are as follows.

1. Sweat reduction

The biggest misconception and easiest to believe about armbands are that they are used to reduce sweat from dripping on the ball or palm. The thought behind this is that the arm band would stop the sweat from on its way down to the palm, soaking it and improving grip.

However, there might be an effect such as that, yet its significance is very small because the arm bands are so thin and in a bad position for the task. So, that’s not a reason why they are worn. That’s not a reason they are marketed and sold either. It’s purely cosmetic.

2. Muscle protection

A second, less known thought about football arm bands is that they would somehow protect the bicep from damage, tears, and injuries by making it more compressed. When I first noticed arm bands on football players, this didn’t even cross my mind, yet I was intrigued whether there was some truth.

As it turns out, there is no scientific backing to this claim, nor are they marketed with such benefits either. Therefore, players don’t certainly use them for muscle protection. Style is the incentive!

3. Material

Last but not least, it’s common for people to think football arm bands are made from rubber. Even though rubber bands and bracelets can be stylish in casual wear, they arent’ practical nor used in football.

The material football arm bands are made of cotton! This is comfortable, stylish, and furry looking!

Why Do Football Players Wear Black Straps On Their Arms?

Speaking of armbands and other things stuck to football players’ arms, black straps have made people wonder what they are and why they are worn. The answer isn’t as fun as with regular armbands.

Football players wear black armbands to mark and show support for a tragic occasion, accident, disaster, or event that has recently taken place. Also, historically meaningful anniversaries are noticed and respected by the football players with black armbands.

White and colorful armbands enhance one’s look, feel better, and maybe even play better from the increased confidence. In contrast, black armbands are a sign of respect and support towards something that has recently or historically happened.

Next time you see black armbands on football players, figure out whether it’s an anniversary of a historical disaster or, even worse, something horrible in recent times.

Why Do Football Players Tape Their Wrists and Elbows?

Moving on from armbands and straps, there are other external things found in the hands of football players. One of these is wrist tape and elbow tape. Why do the athletes tape them? Why Do NFL Players Have Towels In Their Pants?

Football players tape their wrists and elbows for protection. Wrist taping will secure the wrist’s movement, which is important as the tackles are rough, decreasing the chance of injury. Elbows are taped to prevent cuts, burns, and abrasion caused by colliding with the field at high speed.

Football is one of the most dangerous and injury-rich team sports, so bent fingers, wrists, and injured elbows are very common. Thus, football players do anything to limit the risks to a minimum, and taping wrists and fingers tight and protecting elbow skin is a smart choice.

When it comes to hand injuries, wrist sprains and finger fractures are the most common. They almost always happen when falling and trying to catch yourself.

When it comes to skin burns and cuts resulting from friction between you and the field, it isn’t pleasant either. Hot temperatures, sweating, and overheating bodies due to practice and matches will cause irritation and pain to such areas. That’s why it’s important to tape your elbows when playing football.