Not too long ago, I was watching an NFL game and noticed something I hadn’t seen before: players wearing tape on their arms. I wondered, what is the purpose of the tape? Is it just a fashion statement, or is there some other reason players segment their forearms like that? After doing some research, I discovered that this is a long-standing practice in the league that serves to keep players sharp and game-ready.
The tape is used to help players improve the health of their muscles, protect their joints against injuries, and also provide extra stability on the field while racing around making those game-saving tackles. It’s essentially a way of creating an extra layer of protection for the players as their bodies can take a real beating during a game. Over the years, some players have even extended these benefits to their recovery process, wearing the tape during post-game therapy to further help provide relief.
Before games, teams will have a medical staff tape up the players to provide them with extra support in the stance they are playing at. For example, an offensive lineman might need extra stability in his wrist and hands to help protect him from possible injuries; a quarterback might need extra flexibility in his shoulder, elbow, and wrist so he can comfortably hurl the ball downfield; and a running back might need compression in his knees and thighs to help him stay focused and fast.
Taping can also be used as an emotional boost, the way a coach might give their players a dramatic and inspiring pregame speech. Players can get into a competitive headspace leading up to the game, and taking the time to be taped up with bright colours and bold patterns can actually provide them with the mental focus and confidence they need going into the game.
So why do NFL players tape up their arms? Because it’s an age-old tradition that has been helping players stay safe and perform at an elite level since the league’s inception. From an extra layer of muscle protection to an emotional lift, taping is an essential part of the NFL experience.
But why stop at the arms? These days, I’ve seen players and trainers expansive the taping to other parts of the body, from the ankles to the neck, even across the back. Taping provides support for those tough-as-nails linemen, and for the speedy receivers who are trying to make those game-winning catches. It can also provide players with extra stability when dashing down the sidelines, making sure they don’t pull or strain a muscle.
What’s more, taping can help with recovery too. The same support for muscles on the field, can also work to provide relief and comfort after the game. By keeping the body’s circulation at optimal levels, the healing process can be accelerated so players can focus on getting ready for the next game rather than dealing with painful lingering bruises.
I also found out it’s all about the art of taping. Teams hire specialists to tape the players in specific ways so they have the precise amount of flexibility or compression to keep their bodies running the way they need to. So the tape isn’t only a tool for health and safety but a way for these professionals to get creative and show their craftsmanship.
Finally, I understand why NFL players wear tape on their arms. It’s an age-old tradition that keeps players safe and performing at their peak. From an extra layer of muscle protection to an emotional lift, taping is essential for game day and beyond.
Taping also helps injury prevention. NFL players have no choice but to push their bodies to the limit during a game, and they often do so on highly abrasive surfaces. With that in mind, tape is used as a way to protect players from scrapes, bruises, and other injuries that can come from intense contact.
But that’s not the only benefit taping can offer. Sometimes the support tape provides players can actually help them to generate more power with their kick or throw. The extra stability can also help players to move freely without over-extending, which can be the difference between a game-winning play and an embarrassing fumble.
The creative element of the art of taping can help teams show team spirit without uniforms. Professional staff use vibrant colours and intricate designs to create patterns that players can wear across the field to show off their fan base’s colours and show unity and pride.
Finally, NFL players wear tape because it can provide players with a boost of energy during the game. After all, what’s more motivating than getting taped up with a custom design from the team’s medical staff? It’s an age-old practice that can add a spark of extra motivation that players will carry onto the field.
So, as you can see, there’s much more to tape than meets the eye. It’s a tool used by medical professionals, a way to express creativity, a symbol of team spirit, and an unexpected boost of motivation. NFL players wear tape because it can help them be their best on the field, and that’s why it’s been a long-standing tradition in the league.