Hand measurements in the NFL are really important, the reason especially the hand size for potential quarterbacks that might get picked by scouts during the NFL Scouting combine.
The reasoning behind this is that the bigger the size of the hand, the better the grip the player can have on the ball, this is essentially important in the quarterback position. This could play a role in weather-related situations like rain, snow or heavy winds, but mainly just general ball security.
The way the NFL measures the hands of players is by taking a tape measure from the tip of the thumb to the pinky finger with the hand outstretched. The average hand size for a male is 8.5 inches. Most quarterbacks historically at the combine seem to have hands that measure at least over nine inches.
According to ESPN Stats and Information, the average hand size for the 39 quarterbacks selected in the first round of the NFL Scouting Combine from 2008 to 2020 is 9 7/10 inches.
Does hand size really matter in the NFL?
One of the most important measurements made on quarterbacks is the distance between the thumb and little finger. The ability to catch the ball is essential while playing this position. However, players like Joe Burrow have demonstrated that the rule doesn't always apply.
There is however an ideal measurement from which it is understood that a hand can be considered is large enough, 9 inches or 22.86 cm. Anything below that is considered a small hand.
There are many examples of players whose hand size has been valued, for better or worse. For example, Joe Flacco was picked by the Ravens for having a big hand, since games in the AFC North tend to have bad weather as a general rule. On the other hand, Tony Romo has always been criticized for having small hands since he is less than 9 inches.
In the end, there is no official measurement requirement for the hand size for any player in the NFL, but those whose hand is bigger tend to have the proverbial "upper hand" on the rest of the prospects.
