Advertisement
question

What kind of face masks are used for different football positions?

National Athletic Trainers' Association
National Athletic Trainers' Association
answer
Different positions in football have different kinds of football helmet face masks in order to provide the necessary balance of protection and visibility. Depending on the position, the style for the football face masks are:
  • R—Reinforced
  • DW—Double-wire configuration
  • SW—Single-wire configuration
  • UB—U-Bar attached
  • SK—Skill-positions player
Some face masks are designed to only protect the mouth, while others protect the mouth, eyes, nose, and jaw; these mostly depend on football positions. Based on this, generally these acronyms are used to indicate face mask differences to buyers:
  • OPO—Oral protection only
  • JOP—Jaw and oral protection
  • NOPO—Nose and oral protection only
  • NJOP—Nose, jaw, and oral protection
  • EGOP—Eye glass and oral protection
Linemen tend to have a double-wire face mask to better prevent objects, mostly body parts, from entering the face area. This protects the nose as well as the mouth and jaw. They also have a vertical bar to add further protection. Because these positions are very aggressive and impactful, protection is the main goal.

Quarterback, running back, wide receivers, and defensive backs have face masks that stress visibility more than protection. Thus, there are no vertical wires and the horizontal wires are brought down to widen the visibility on the sides of the helmet.

Kickers and punters rarely have much direct contact with other players. Their face masks are the simplest, with a couple of single wires that also stress visibility. (This answer provided for NATA by the Saint Louis University Athletic Training Education Program.)

Continue Learning about Football

Why is there a warning sticker on all football helmets?
Why is there a warning sticker on all football helmets? The NOCSAE has developed standards for footb...
More Answers
What energy systems am I using when playing football?
What energy systems am I using when playing football? Overall energy demands of a football game are ...
More Answers
Which type of football shoulder pads should I choose?
Which type of football shoulder pads should I choose? There are two styles of football shoulder pads...
More Answers
What is the purpose of different face masks on football helmets?
What is the purpose of different face masks on football helmets? Each position has a different type ...
More Answers

Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.