Why Do Football Players Wear Eye Black?
Have you ever watched a football game and noticed players with black marks or stickers under their eyes? Reducing glare, intimidation, and spreading a message (which is now banned) are a few popular reasons players use eye black.
Why Do Players Wear Eye Black?
Surprisingly, eye black reduces glare from the sun or bright stadium lights, making it easier to spot the ball and their teammates on the field.
And while it can be hard to believe, researchers at Yale found it really does reduce glare!
A Little Bit of History
Eye black has been popular in the USA for a long time. Notably, baseball legend Babe Ruth in the 1930s used it to reduce glare while batting. Football players soon adopted it. Back then, players had to burn cork at home to create black smudges!
Today, players use either grease-based eye black or convenient stickers, sometimes with fun designs or team logos, making use of modern technologies.
Warning! It's worth noting that organizations may not allow players to use eye black or stickers, so check with your coach first.
For ex: the NCAA does not allow face paint with words & messages, sometimes called the Tim Tebow Rule.
War paint & Native American Origins
While there are scientific and stylistic reasons for wearing eye black, some players choose it for symbolic or psychological reasons, similar to how warriors from many cultures historically used face paint—to rally, inspire, and boost courage before going into battle.
Face painting traditions span countless cultures around the globe, including Native American tribes such as the Teton Sioux of the Plains, who used black paint to symbolize victory (source). Recently, greater sensitivity toward Native American customs has led sports teams, like the Washington Commanders, to avoid Native imagery or symbols out of respect for Indigenous peoples and their cultures.
If you choose to wear eye black inspired by these traditions, always follow league guidelines, respect the origins, and avoid getting any near your eyes!
Fun Facts & Pop Culture
- Tim Tebow once wore eye black stickers with messages, like Bible verses, sparking a popular trend. This became so widespread the NCAA banned messages on eye black in 2010.
- Reggie Bush, another famous player, famously wrote "619" (San Diego's area code) on his eye black to represent his hometown.
- Fans and even movie characters often wear eye black as a fun symbol of team spirit!
In Conclusion
Next time you're watching a game, you can explain that players wear eye black not only to look tough but to improve their vision and concentration on the field. Maybe you’ll even try it yourself for your next sunny practice—just remember to ask your coach first!
Sources:
Michael Simon
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