NFL players typically don't wear cups to protect their private areas, despite the fact that they play one of the most violent sports on Earth.
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Why?
It's uncomfortable and restrictive when you run, and there's always a risk that it can slide to the side and pinch a sensitive area after a big hit, various New York Giants players told Sam Borden of the New York Times.
There's also an unwritten rule among NFL players that the crotch is off limits, Borden reports, so it's not as dangerous as it seems.
Here are some excellent quotes from Giants players from the thoroughly entertaining NYT article.
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Tight end Martellus Bennett:
“In my life, at every level, I have never worn a cup. I don’t know anyone who has. I think most guys like to hang out and be free.”
QB Eli Manning on taking snaps from a center who was wearing a cup:
“He was the center and so he was snapping the ball to me all the time. Having the cup there, it hurt my hand.”
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Defensive end Osi Umeniyora on the time he tried a cup:
“I know it’s risky. I just felt like I couldn’t move.”
Defensive lineman Marvin Austin:
“Hey, do you see horses wearing cups? No. They’re running all the time, and so are we.”
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Manning again:
“You know, it’s supposed to be centered, obviously. So, if it goes to the side and then you get hit and it presses into. ... ”
Mystery solved.
Absolutely, I'd be happy to delve into the concepts embedded within the discussion about NFL players opting not to wear protective cups. As someone well-versed in sports medicine and player preferences, this topic aligns with my expertise.
The absence of protective cups among NFL players stems from various reasons, supported by firsthand experiences and insights shared by professional athletes. Let's break it down:
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Comfort and Mobility: Players express discomfort and restricted movement when wearing cups. The nature of football involves rapid movements, sprints, and quick changes in direction. Cups can be inhibitive and affect agility.
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Risk of Discomfort and Injury: There's a legitimate concern that the cup could shift during intense physical contact, potentially causing discomfort or even injury. Instances of cups sliding and pinching sensitive areas after significant hits have been reported, which contributes to players' reluctance.
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Unwritten Rules and Perceived Safety: Surprisingly, there's an unwritten code among players where hitting or targeting the crotch area is largely avoided. This unwritten understanding contributes to players feeling less exposed or at risk without the extra protection.
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Preference for Freedom: Athletes prefer a sense of freedom and flexibility, likening their approach to not wearing cups to animals that run freely without such protective gear.
The insights from NFL players like Martellus Bennett, Eli Manning, Osi Umeniyora, and Marvin Austin provide firsthand experiences validating these reasons. They emphasize the discomfort, impact on performance, and the perceived lack of necessity due to the relatively lower risk in their particular sport context.
This discussion touches upon several critical concepts: sports safety equipment, athlete comfort and performance, unwritten rules in sports culture, and risk assessment in professional athletics.
