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Some football players wear underwear and some do not. It usually comes down to what they wear under their football pants, such as a girdle, jock shorts, or a separate jockstrap.
Some football players wear underwear and some do not. It depends on what else they wear under their football pants.
Every player has some kind of layer under their pants, but it is not always regular underwear. Here are the most common options.
What Goes Under Football Pants
Girdle With A Built-In Jock
A girdle is a tight pair of shorts that works like compression shorts and absorbs sweat. It already does the job of athletic underwear, so many players wear nothing underneath it.
Jock Shorts
These are loose mesh shorts with a jockstrap built in. Because they are loose, most players wear underwear under them.
A Traditional Jockstrap
A standalone jockstrap wraps around the waist and covers very little. Most players who wear one also wear underwear.
No Jockstrap
Many players do not wear a jockstrap at all. These players will almost always wear a girdle or athletic underwear under their pants.
What Kind Of Underwear Do Football Players Wear?
Most players wear compression-style athletic underwear. It stretches, stays in place under pads, and pulls sweat away from the skin.
Regular boxers or briefs can work, but they are less comfortable and more restrictive during a game.
For more on football gear, see this overview of protective equipment in football or our guide to playing football with braces.