What is that black stuff football players have under their eyes?

Question

And why do they need it?

Answer 1

it's just called "eye black" light is attracted to the color black, so it minimizes the light that enter's an athletes eyes on a sunny day, thus giving them better vision. White repels light. If you've ever felt the difference in heat when you wear a white t-shirt, compared to a black t-shirt, on a hot, sunny day, you'll know what I'm talking about.

here's some supplemental info:
http://www.answers.com/main/ntquery?s=eye+black&gwp=13

Answer 2

It's called eye black.
It's from baseball...

it reduces the glare from the sun or stadium lights - that are either blinding...or so intense that after awhile you get a headache...

eye black helps minimize that effect..

Answer 3

It is called Eye Black, one manufacturer is Rawlings. It is used to prevent/reduce glare from the sun, thereby allowing the players (baseball players also use it) to see better.

Answer 4

It's a reflective product, it keeps the glare out of their eyes

Answer 5

Where can you find both kinds of black eye?

Answer 6

Don't let these answers fool you. All it is is the remains of that partially masticated Taco Bell double stuffed burrito the fat lineman had stuffed down his jock for his halftime snack.

Answer 7

Some of those black smears are mascara - don't let them tell you any different!

Answer 8

black lipstick almost like punkers wear. only thing is it is a concentrate with oil. and its compounds help its eyes concentrate on the ball

Answer 9

it`s supposed to keep the sun`s glare out of their eyes

Answer 10

it keeps the glare out of their eyes