why do nfl quarterbacks lick their fingers

I’m fascinated by why NFL quarterbacks lick their fingers – it’s something I’ve wondered since I started watching football over 10 years ago. I’ve already considered all the obvious reasons we could think of why they do it: to get more grip on the ball, to mask their hand signals so the opposing team can’t tell what they’re doing, or cheap jerseys from china to converse with their long-snapper. But as a lifelong fan, I can’t help but feel like there’s more to this than meets the eye.

First off, the grip factor can’t be discounted. Not all quarterbacks are “wet-fingered” — as the practice is called — but those that are find great success and control the ball better. For example, NFL great Tom Brady has stated numerous times that he likes his fingers damp, and this tactic works for wholesale nfl jerseys from china him. So, it seems that having a damp grip is important for accuracy and power when throwing the football.

The finger licking also appears to do something else: control the speed of the ball. If you pay close attention to some of the all-time fan favorites, like Peyton Manning, he’ll lick his left index and middle fingers while holding the ball. This creates friction and drag that slows down the ball and gives a better spiral — something that comes in handy when throwing a tight pass. But if the quarterback wants to let loose a long bomb, leaving their fingers dry is the key.

The theatrical aspect can’t be overlooked. This isn’t necessarily the reason the quarterbacks do it, but it sure adds to the excitement when the QB licks the ball and then fakes a pass. To be fair, some of the other offensive players use this trick, such as the kickers. But there’s still something magical about a quarterback lubricating his finger before every toss.

For me, one of the coolest parts of quarterbacks licking their fingers is the way they do it. It turns out that many quarterbacks have their own unique version. Some opt for cheap jerseys from china the classic tongue-on-finger technique, while others have a less traditional method. QBs such as Drew Brees swish a little water on their hands, wholesale jerseys from china and others like Jameis Winston get a little saliva going by tapping his forearm.

Maybe the coolest version — and cheap nfl jerseys arguably one of the more efficient — belongs to QB Cam Newton. He actually gets his hand wet with water and then licks it like an ice cream cone! He gets the best of both worlds, with a damp grip and a nice, easy spiral.

Then there’s the mental aspect; I think this could be what’s really going on with why quarterbacks lick their fingers. It’s like a secret squash ritual that only they understand. It almost seems like they’re reminding themselves it’s time to “get serious” — and it’s also just a way for them to calm their nerves before a big play.

So, why do NFL quarterbacks lick their fingers? It seems like it’s a mixture of several factors, and I’m sure I’ve only scratched the surface. I’m sure there are other psychological, sporting, cheap nfl jerseys and technical elements to the practice that I haven’t mentioned, and I really wish I could get inside the head of the players and find out why they do it. Whatever the reason, cheap jerseys from china I’m in awe of the talent and skill of those that do it. After all, it takes a lot of precision and cheap nfl jerseys jerseys from china control to make that magic happen on the field.