Shoulder Pads
NFL team equipment managers use hook and loop to adjust shoulder pads and customize them to each player’s specific protection needs. VELCRO® straps allow for quick adjustments to ensure a snug fit, improving comfort and stability during play. VELCRO® helps attach and position additional padding or protective gear, such as rib or neck pads, and secures jersey sleeves, preventing them from riding up or getting pulled. The quick-release nature of the VELCRO® also makes it easier for players to put on or take off their gear swiftly, especially during mid-game adjustments.Headset
NFL teams use headsets to communicate between coaches and players. On most teams, the messages are sent to the quarterbacks, so they are usually the ones who wear the headset on the field. A few years ago, the NFL updated the headset system from analog to digital to ensure clear communication. The headset’s earphones attach to the inside of the helmet with hook and loop to prevent the equipment from moving.Cable Management
The NFL relies heavily on various forms of technology, from high-definition cameras and microphones to communication equipment and data transmission tools. With all this tech, managing cables effectively has become essential to ensure smooth operation. Without proper cable management, the abundance of wires could lead to tangling, tripping hazards, and even equipment malfunctions.
To address this, team personnel use solutions like hook and loop cable straps, cable sleeves, and cable trays to bundle and organize loose cords. This keeps the setup neat and reduces the risk of disconnections or damage. For camera operators, audio engineers, and other technical staff, effective cable management allows them to move around freely without worrying about stepping on or snagging cords, which is crucial during live broadcasts when every second counts.
Cable organization is not only critical on game days but also at each team’s headquarters, practice facilities, and offices. Whether it's ensuring that communication lines are clear during practice or maintaining tidy workstations for staff and analysts who rely on a seamless flow of data, efficient cable management plays a key role in keeping the NFL’s operations running smoothly, both on and off the field.
Football Cleats
NFL players wear football cleats to provide traction for the various surfaces they play on. Cleats prevent slipping in all types of weather conditions and on different playing surfaces. Football cleats feature laces, but some styles come with hook and loop across the top of the cleat for extra security and support.Gloves
A team’s receivers and defensive backs usually wear tight-fitting gloves for comfort and protection while on the field. Gloves can also help them hang on to a slippery ball in wet conditions. To ensure a tight fit, the gloves fasten to a player’s wrists with hook and loop.Hook and Loop for More Than Just Sundays
We've highlighted many applications for hook and loop on the football field, but these handy fasteners are used in team headquarters to mount and hang signage, to organize cables, to create changeable depth charts, and more.NFL stadiums use hook and loop straps and fasteners to secure turf in place, to strap down rolls of turf, to hang signage, and to cordon off seating.
Team doctors and physical therapists use hook and loop on medical devices and braces to help players recover from injury faster and to heal better. There are a million ways hook and loop fasteners are used in professional sports every day. Explore our medical tape applications to use hook and loop products for medical services.
Additional FAQs:
Q. How are fasteners used in NFL shoulder pads?
A. In NFL shoulder pads, fasteners like adjustable straps, buckles, and hook-and-loop closures secure the pads to the player's body, ensuring a snug fit while allowing mobility. These fasteners help stabilize the padding, protecting the shoulders and chest during impact.
Q. Why do NFL players have straps hanging?
A. The hanging straps on NFL players are often part of their shoulder pads or equipment, used to adjust fit and keep the pads securely in place. They may also help players quickly remove the pads in case of injury.
Q. How do fasteners benefit NFL players' gloves?
A. Fasteners on NFL players' gloves, like VELCRO® straps, provide a secure fit, prevent slipping, and improve grip control, allowing for better handling and ball security during gameplay.
Q. What shoulder pads do NFL players wear?
A. NFL players typically wear shoulder pads customized to their position, such as "flat" pads for skill players (wide receivers, quarterbacks) for mobility and "cantilevered" pads for linemen for extra impact protection. Brands like Riddell, Schutt, and XTECH are popular for their durability and tailored fit.
Q. What is the strap hanging from NFL players’ pants?
A. The strap hanging from NFL players’ pants is often a part of a compression shirt or padded girdle worn underneath their uniform. It provides additional support and protection, and the strap may be visible if the shirt or girdle isn't fully tucked in.
