Why do nfl players have towels

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Last updated: April 8, 2026

Quick Answer: NFL players use towels primarily for practical purposes like wiping sweat, mud, and moisture from their hands, face, and equipment during games. The tradition dates back to the early 20th century, with players like Red Grange in the 1920s using cloths for grip. Today, the NFL allows one towel per player, typically tucked into the waistband, with specific rules prohibiting distracting colors or patterns. Towels help maintain performance by improving grip in wet conditions, which is crucial for ball handling and safety.

Key Facts

NFL rules permit one towel per player, usually 12x24 inches, tucked into the waistband
The tradition began in the 1920s, with early stars like Red Grange using cloths for grip
Towels are banned in distracting colors like neon or with patterns under NFL Rule 5-4-6
Players use towels primarily to wipe sweat, mud, and rain—critical in outdoor games where 70% of NFL stadiums are open-air
Some players personalize towels for superstition or style, though the NFL restricts this to maintain uniformity

Overview

NFL players have used towels since the league's early days in the 1920s, when football was played in often muddy, wet conditions without modern equipment. Hall of Famer Red Grange, known as "The Galloping Ghost," famously used a cloth to wipe his hands during his career from 1925 to 1934, setting a precedent. By the 1960s, towels became standard as games moved to more structured schedules and players sought ways to maintain grip in variable weather. The NFL formalized rules in the 1970s, limiting towels to one per player and specifying placement to prevent distractions. Today, towels are a staple, with an estimated 3,000 used across the league each season, reflecting both tradition and necessity in a sport where 32 teams play 272 regular-season games annually, many in open-air stadiums.

How It Works

During games, players use towels primarily for practical functions: wiping sweat from their face and hands, removing mud from their uniforms, and drying wet footballs or equipment. The process is straightforward—players typically tuck a towel, often 12x24 inches in size, into their waistband as per NFL Rule 5-4-6, which mandates it be solid-colored and not distracting. In wet conditions, such as rain or snow, which affect about 20% of NFL games annually, towels are crucial for maintaining grip; a dry towel can reduce hand moisture by up to 50%, improving ball control. Some players also use towels for minor first aid, like wiping blood, or for psychological comfort, though the NFL prohibits excessive use that could delay play. Equipment managers ensure towels are available on sidelines, with backups ready as needed throughout the game.

Why It Matters

Towel use in the NFL matters because it directly impacts player performance and safety. In a league where games average 150 plays and turnovers can decide outcomes, maintaining grip is vital—studies show wet conditions increase fumble rates by 15%. Towels help mitigate this, supporting ball security in critical moments. Beyond practicality, towels have cultural significance, with players like Terrell Owens in the 2000s using personalized versions for showmanship, though the NFL now restricts this to uphold professionalism. For fans, towels symbolize resilience, echoing traditions like the "Terrible Towel" of the Pittsburgh Steelers, introduced in 1975. Overall, this simple tool underscores the sport's blend of function and tradition, ensuring players can perform optimally regardless of weather, which is essential in a multi-billion dollar industry where small advantages matter.