what is a girdle in football

A girdle in football is a specialized piece of protective equipment worn underneath the football pants. It is essentially a pair of compression shorts that include built-in padding in critical impact zones such as the hips, thighs, and tailbone. The purpose of the girdle is to provide lightweight, flexible protection while allowing for full mobility on the field. The girdle helps keep the protective pads securely in place, making it easier for players to put on their tight football pants. The padding absorbs impacts from tackles or falls to reduce injury risk. Girdles typically have pockets or sewn-in pads for the tailbone, hips, and thighs. Some girdles offer removable or swappable pads, while others have integrated padding. Players wear girdles under their uniform pants, which may also have pads for knees and thighs. The compression fabric of the girdle offers a snug fit that holds the pads close to the body without restricting movement, improving comfort and performance. In summary, a football girdle is an undergarment that combines compression shorts with protective padding for key lower body areas to enhance player safety and comfort during the game. It’s used by players at all levels to add crucial padding while maintaining agility on the field. This equipment is particularly important for positions that face frequent physical contact, such as linemen, linebackers, running backs, and tight ends.