Why do American footbal players paint those black stripes under their eyes?

Answer 1

That is actually called eye-black or no glare. It is supposed to be used to limit the glare from the sun. The blackness absorbs the sunlight and helps the player see easier without squinting. I think now it is used more as a fashion statement though.

Answer 2

The concept is to reduce glare. The glare from such things as sunlight or stadium lighting can interfere with seeing a ball flying through the air with the crowd in the background. The glare reduces the contrast between the object and its background, making it harder to see. Reduce this glare and you can see the object better. Here is an interesting undergraduate study on this concept done at the University of New Hampshire.

http://www.unh.edu/inquiryjournal/05/articles/powers.htm

Answer 3

Both to stop the reflection of the sun and to block the sweat from getting in their eyes. Trust me- I have a family of football players....

Answer 4

It cuts down on reflective glare from underneath them. No, not from the grass, but from things like other helmets that might be beneath there face during a game.

Answer 5

Receivers, Quarterbacks especially do this to reduce the glare (from lights or the sun) so they can see the ball in the air and catch it.

Answer 6

It helps keep down the glare from the lights, that way they can see the ball during a pass.

Answer 7

It helps with the glare from stadium lights. You'll notice you see a lot more of this during night games.

Answer 8

To block the glare from the sun.

Answer 9

Keeps the sun out of their eyes.

Answer 10

It is to help keep the sun or bright lights out of there eyes.