What Gloves Do NFL Players Wear

Watch any NFL game and one thing becomes obvious: Football gloves are everywhere.

Wide receivers, running backs, defensive backs, and even some quarterbacks wear gloves every week. Modern football gloves have become one of the most important pieces of gear in football because they help players perform at a higher level.

Today’s gloves are lighter, stickier, and more comfortable than ever before. From making difficult catches to protecting hands during cold-weather games, NFL players rely heavily on their gloves every Sunday.

Why NFL Players Wear Football Gloves

Better Grip

Modern football gloves use sticky palm materials that help players control the football during catches, handoffs, and interceptions.

For receivers and defensive backs especially, grip matters on every play. NFL quarterbacks throw harder than ever, so having extra grip helps players secure difficult catches through contact, rain, or cold weather.

Most players wear gloves to:

• Reduce drops
• Improve catch control
• Attack the ball with more confidence

More Weather Protection

Football is played in all kinds of weather: Rain. Snow. Wind. Cold temperatures.

Gloves help players maintain better control of the football when conditions get tough. They also protect hands from:

• Turf burns
• Finger jams
• Cold-weather dryness

That extra protection matters during a long NFL season.

Stylish Look

Football gloves are also a huge part of football culture today.

Players love matching gloves with:

• Cleats
• Arm sleeves
• Team uniforms
• Visors and accessories

Custom colors and flashy designs are everywhere across not just the NFL, but all levels of the sport, and honestly, a clean pair of gloves just looks drippy.

Most Popular Gloves Worn in the NFL

During the 2025 NFL season, several glove models stood out across the league. Players usually choose gloves based on grip, comfort, fit, flexibility, and personal preference.

Here are some of the most popular gloves seen on NFL fields.

Adidas Football Gloves

The Adidas Adizero 9.0 and Adizero X remained some of the most popular lightweight receiver gloves in football.

The Adizero line is especially popular among wide receivers and defensive backs looking for speed and quick hand movement.

NXTRND Football Gloves

The NXTRND G2 Pro continues gaining popularity thanks to its lightweight feel, elite-level grip, and comfortable fit. Built for skill position players, the G2 Pro is designed to help athletes perform fast without feeling bulky.

Players like the:

• Sticky palm grip
• Flexible and snug fit
• Breathable materials
• Lightweight feel
• Clean modern design

The tacky palm helps players improve ball control and secure catches more consistently, while the flexible fit gives the gloves a natural “second-skin” feel during games and practices.

For athletes looking for comfort, grip, and performance all in one glove, the NXTRND G2 Pro has become one of the fastest-growing football gloves in the game.

Under Armour Football Gloves

Under Armour gloves continue to be heavily used across football, especially the Spotlight series and the UA F8/F7 models.

These gloves continue to be common choices for skill position players at multiple levels of football.

Nike Football Gloves

Nike continues to dominate the football glove market with several popular models worn throughout the NFL.

Nike Vapor Jet

The Vapor Jet remains one of the most recognizable football gloves in the game thanks to its lightweight “second-skin” fit and strong grip performance.

Nike Superbad

The Superbad series is popular among players looking for a slightly more supportive feel while still maintaining excellent grip and comfort.

Nike D-Tack Series

The D-Tack gloves continue to be a reliable option for players wanting a balance of flexibility, grip, and durability.

Nike gloves remain some of the most commonly seen gloves on NFL fields every season.

Jordan Football Gloves

Jordan football gloves continue growing in popularity across both college football and the NFL.

Jordan Fly Lock 2.0

The Fly Lock 2.0 stands out for its clean style, comfortable fit, and strong grip performance.

Jordan Jet 7.0

The Jet 7.0 is built for athletes who want lightweight comfort, flexibility, and fast hand movement during games.

Jordan gloves have become a favorite among players looking for both performance and style.

Do All NFL Players Wear Gloves?

No, not every NFL player wears gloves.

Some players still prefer natural hand feel and direct contact with the football. This is more common among certain quarterbacks and running backs.

Still, the majority of NFL skill position players wear gloves regularly in today’s game.