Professional football players are always under high levels of physical duress. In fact, football players are regularly slammed into at high speeds by players who can weigh upwards of 300 lbs., so they must wear safety equipment to avoid serious injuries. This equipment is crucial particularly for running backs. Running through multiples of offensive and defensive linemen, they risk injury every time they touch the ball.
Shoulder Pads
Shoulder pads cover both shoulders, the chest and part of the upper back. Their purpose is to absorb some of the impact from being slammed to the turf by opposing players. Shoulder pads also distribute some of the impact through a large area to lessen the pressure at the point of contact.
Helmets
Helmets are arguably the most important piece of a football player’s uniform. Helmets are always being modified and improved due to the rising problem with concussions in the National Football League. Helmets consist of many parts: the face mask, chin strap, the shell (outside of the helmet), the jaw pads and the air bladders (the cushioning on the inside of the helmet). All of these elements put together can help protect a running back from a serious head injury.
Gloves
Receiver gloves do not protect players, but they help greatly in holding on to the football. Running backs need the extra grip in order to ensure they do not fumble the football. The inside of receiver gloves have sticky surfaces that seem to almost attach to the ball. This helps prevent extra fumbles from occurring when players are hit at high speeds.
Hip Pads
Hip pads are inserted into the pockets of players’ pants before they put on any other piece of their equipment. The hip pads help protect players’ thighs when they hit the ground. When trying to tackle an opposing player, defenders often lead with their helmets, which can result in serious injury for the player being hit. Wearing hip pads is extremely important for a running back, who needs to make sure his legs stay in the best condition.
Mouthguard
A mouthguard is extremely important for a running back because it can help prevent concussions. Concussions often occur when the top and bottom teeth slam together too hard, causing a vibration that rattles the skull and causes injury to the brain. When wearing a mouthguard, players’ teeth are protected, preventing the mouth from slamming shut. When running backs are hit to the ground, they often grit their teeth as a natural response to the amount of impact they receive. Wearing a mouthguard can prevent serious injury for these running backs.
About this Author
Alan Bass is currently attending Muhlenberg College in Allentown, Pa. He is majoring in psychology and minoring in business. He is also a member of the Muhlenberg College ice hockey team and is a writer for Hockey54.com, Insidehockey.com and Prohockeynews.com.
