Essential Football Accessories Every Player Needs on Gameday

Introduction: Gear that Transforms Your Season

Whether you’re a high school athlete, college starter, or a passionate weekend warrior, having the right football accessories is more than just about “swag”—it’s about maximizing training, confidence, protection, and performance on the field.

Drawing on the expertise and personal stories from players like Clark Aslett (Adventure Athlete) and reviewing practical advice from coaches and football influencers, this article covers every must-have item—no matter your level or position.

Let’s take a look at the complete checklist to elevate your game, from the obligatory helmet all the way to custom superstitions and finishing touches.

🏈 Create Your Football Gear Dream Board!

Everything you’ll read below is organized for you in a football wish list and vision board—start collecting, planning, and tracking your gameday upgrades with just one click!

Notable Footballers & What Sets Their Game Apart

Odell Beckham Jr. (OBJ): Top trendsetter for on-field sock styles and flashy color-coordinated looks, OBJ combines performance with personality.

Russell Wilson: Known for his use of vision-enhancing visors, wristbands, and custom cleats that prioritize grip and control.

Cam Newton: Rocks arm sleeves and expressive accessories for QB protection and signature flair.

Clark Aslett (Adventure Athlete): Blends old-school superstitions, bold personalized stickers, and a careful focus on functional swag—documenting every gameday on YouTube.

Saquon Barkley: Sports matching tights/sleeves for both muscle support and a confident, unified appearance.

Complete Football Accessories Checklist for Gameday

1. Football Helmet

• Brand: Riddell, Schutt, Xenith

• Price: $250–$600

• Experience: Foundation of on-field safety. Modern helmets offer advanced padding and adjustable fit systems.

• Specs/Features: Polycarbonate shell, cutting-edge shock absorption, custom face mask compatibility.

• Tips: Check Virginia Tech safety rankings; prioritize fit and comfort.

• Impact: Prevents concussion, shields from head injury—a non-negotiable!

2. Face Mask (Skill & Protective Bars)

• Brand: Riddell, Schutt

• Price: $40–$85

• Specs: Skill positions prefer open bar face masks for visibility, while LBs/DEs/RBs might choose more bars for added protection.

• Tips: See how pros at your position set up their masks; always match the mask to helmet brand/model.

• Impact: Balances vision, safety, and position-specific needs.

3. Visor

• Brand: Shock, Oakley, Nike, Under Armour

• Price: $20–$60

• Specs: Durable polycarbonate, clear or tinted/chrome (league dependent).

• Features: Impact and scratch-resistant; anti-fog options available.

• Tips: Use clear for games (most leagues); tinted/chrome for pregame, practice, or style.

• Impact: Protects eyes, intimidates opponents, upgrades confidence.

4. Chin Strap & Chin Strap Cover

• Brand: Sportstar, Battle, Under Armour, Riddell

• Price: Strap $15–$30; cover $7–$18

• Specs: Moisture-wicking, foam padded; covers in various team colors.

• Features: Prevents chin irritation, slippage, adds swag.

• Tips: Clean or rotate covers regularly; align colors with uniform for best look.

• Impact: Greater comfort and stability during intense action.

5. Eye Black (Sticks & Patches)

• Brand: Easton, EvoShield, EyeBlack, Wilson

• Price: $4–$12

• Specs: Grease sticks or peel-and-stick patches.

• Features: Reduces glare, customizable style.

• Tips: Try cross or line designs; follow league rules for personalization.

• Impact: Focuses vision, amps up classic gameday intensity.

6. Dri-Fit Undershirts/Compression Tops

• Brand: Nike Dri-FIT/Pro, Under Armour ColdGear, Adidas

• Price: $25–$55

• Specs: Available short/quarter/long sleeve; moisture-wicking & anti-chafe.

• Features: Regulates temperature, adds comfort under pads.

• Tips: Choose sleeve length for weather; always wear fresh/clean on gameday.

• Impact: Comfort and confidence—no more distractions from sweat or cold.

7. Shoulder Pads

• Brand: Riddell, Schutt, Xenith, Douglas

• Price: $80–$400

• Specs: QBs: lighter, slim-fit; RB/LB/TE: more pad and back support.

• Features: Custom fit options, extra attachment points (back/rib plates).

• Tips: Comfort and full range of motion are crucial; always try on with practice jersey.

• Impact: Vital protection for upper body and shoulders.

8. Back Plate

• Brand: Battle, Schutt, Douglas

• Price: $25–$60

• Specs: Mounts to shoulder pads, absorbs impact to lower back.

• Features: Adds style and safety, available in team colors/designs.

• Tips: Especially important for “big skill” players who take frequent hits.

• Impact: Protects from “cheap shots” and falls—huge for RB/LB.

9. Rib Protector/Flak Jacket

• Brand: McDavid, Douglas, Xenith

• Price: $30–$70

• Specs: Wraps midsection, lightweight, some integrate with shoulder pads.

• Features: Reduces bruising from tackles—critical for QBs and skill positions.

• Tips: Pair with compatible shoulder pads for seamless fit.

• Impact: Boosts confidence, prevents lingering soreness.

10. Personalized Stickers/Decals (For Helmet, Pads, etc.)

• Brand: Custom, local or online suppliers

• Price: $5–$15

• Specs: Waterproof, removable, various sizes/shapes.

• Features: Honor, awareness, team, number, or memory stickers.

• Tips: Celebrate wins, special causes, or build team unity.

• Impact: Emotional motivation, pride, and unique style.

11. Armbands / Sweatbands

• Brand: Nike, Under Armour, Battle, EvoShield

• Price: $8–$20

• Specs: Moisture wicking, elastic.

• Features: Keeps sweat off hands, adds color and arm definition for “swag.”

• Tips: Save a fresh pair for games only, keep a set for practice.

• Impact: Enhanced grip and moisture control.

12. Shooter Sleeve / Padded Arm Sleeve

• Brand: Nike, McDavid, Under Armour

• Price: $10–$25

• Specs: Compression fit, colors, optional padding at elbow.

• Features: Protection from turf burns/injury, eye-popping style.

• Tips: Use padded when injured or for extra confidence on hard fields.

• Impact: Style and function combined—plus extra joint security.

13. Turf Tape

• Brand: Battle, Victory

• Price: $10–$18

• Specs: Adhesive arm tape, various colors.

• Features: Protects skin, especially forearms, from turf burn.

• Tips: Apply before warmup to ensure good adhesion.

• Impact: Healthier skin and a modern, aggressive look.

14. Compression Tights/Leggings

• Brand: Nike Pro, Under Armour, Adidas

• Price: $25–$60

• Specs: full-length or ¾; tight fit; multiple colors.

• Features: Muscle support, odor-resistant, heat/cold management.

• Tips: Match with jersey/pants for style; always try for comfort and stretch.

• Impact: Aids speed, recovery, warmth, and brings out your colors.

15. Long Socks / Soccer Socks

• Brand: Nike, Adidas, Twin City

• Price: $10–$18

• Specs: Over-the-calf, moisture-wicking.

• Features: Keeps legs warm, prevents blisters, classic scrunched/OBJ “wrinkle” look.

• Tips: Scrunch for modern style, stack colors for unique combos.

• Impact: Finishes uniform and keeps feet protected.

16. Spats (Cleat Covers)

• Brand: Spatty, Battle

• Price: $10–$20

• Specs: Elastic, stretch-fit over cleats.

• Features: Protects laces and ankles, adds color blocking for full uniform style.

• Tips: Easily removed and reused; pick to match team or go bold.

• Impact: Clean consistent style, cleat durability, ankle support.

17. Football Gloves (Grip, Padded)

• Brand: Nike (Superbad), Adidas (Freak), Cutters (Gamer), Under Armour, Battle

• Price: $30–$70

• Specs: Padded for big skill; grippy for receivers; some QBs use pro-leather palm.

• Features: Optimal fit, responsive grip, color choices.

• Tips: Try on for fit; QBs look for rare leather-palm on eBay.

• Impact: Better handling, fewer drops, and fewer hand injuries.

18. Mouthguard (Boil-and-Bite, Lip Shield)

• Brand: Shock Doctor, Battle, Next Trend, Nike

• Price: $10–$25

• Specs: Boil custom, lip guard ready-to-go, both can be tethered to helmet.

• Features: Many colors/flavors, dental warranty.

• Tips: QBs/leaders: slim fit for easy communication; others: lip protection for more impact.

• Impact: Essential for safety—don’t play without one.

19. Cleats (Position Specific)

• Brand: Nike Alpha, Adidas Freak, Under Armour Highlight, Jordan

• Price: $60–$250

• Specs: Mid/high cut and wider traction for “big skill”; light and low cut for “skill.”

• Features: Lightweight, tough, position-aligned traction.

• Tips: Break in before your first game; match to field type and size.

• Impact: Crucial for speed, grip, and overall confidence.

20. Superstitious / Lucky Charm (Custom to You)

• Brand: N/A

• Price: Priceless

• Features: From Clark Aslett’s $11 in the right cleat to your own personal ritual.

• Tips: Make it unique, keep it consistent for gameday confidence.

• Impact: The mental boost every competitor needs.

🏈 Build Your Wish List and Vision Board!

Every football accessory listed above (and more!) is organized in our ready-to-save wish list, dream board, and vision tracker. Start checking off your upgrades and gearing up for your most unforgettable season!

Conclusion

From protective essentials like helmets and pads to expressive finishing touches like turf tape, tights, and even good luck charms, every football accessory plays a role in empowering athletes to perform—and look—their best. Invest in the right gear, add your personal style or ritual, and every snap will feel like your best one yet!