Quarterbacks are the heartbeat of every football team, but when it comes to gear, they’re also some of the most traditional players on the field. One of the most common questions fans ask: Do quarterbacks wear football gloves?
The short answer is, most quarterbacks don’t. Bare hands give them the natural feel and control they need to grip the ball, make precise throws, and deliver under pressure. Still, some NFL quarterbacks have worn gloves at times, usually for extra grip in bad weather, to protect injuries, or simply as a matter of preference.
Like cleats or other pieces of football gear, the decision comes down to you, the player. Quarterbacks wear gloves for different reasons, and while it’s not the popular choice, it’s one of those options a quarterback can use to stay sharp in the biggest moments of the game.
Why Do Some Quarterbacks Play Without Gloves?
The majority of quarterbacks throughout football history have preferred bare hands. Here’s why:
Ball Feel and Control
Quarterbacks live and die by touch. The ability to sense the laces, adjust the grip ball, and deliver a spiral comes down to pure connection between hand and ball.
- Gloves interfere with feel - Even the best football gloves add a layer of material between skin and leather, and that can dull tactile sensitivity.
- Bare hands = confidence - Many quarterbacks need to feel every groove of the laces to throw with accuracy, especially when threading passes into tight coverage.
Impact on Throwing Accuracy
Throwing is about mechanics, but it’s also about feedback. Quarterbacks rely on feel to judge velocity and release.
- Gloves can alter the way the ball leaves the fingers, potentially affecting spiral tightness or velocity.
- Bare hands help quarterbacks achieve good control and maintain their throwing rhythm time after time.
Grip and Comfort Issues
While gloves help many players—receivers, defensive backs, linemen—they aren’t always a match for quarterbacks.
- Gloves can feel restrictive around the fingers and limit flexibility in the throwing motion.
- Even with advanced sticky palms, gloves can be uncomfortable during long games, especially when the throwing hand gets sweaty.
Tradition and Preference
Quarterback is a position built on repetition, and from youth leagues to the NFL, most QBs learn and practice barehanded from day one. Tradition plays a big role, because most guys train without gloves, they stick to what feels natural. For many, wearing gloves feels unnecessary, almost like adding weight to a swing they’ve already perfected.
In short, bare hands give most quarterbacks the freedom, accuracy, and control they trust in critical game situations.
Why Do Some Quarterbacks Wear Gloves?
Of course, not every QB avoids gloves. A handful of NFL quarterbacks have tried or regularly worn football gloves for specific reasons.
- Weather conditions - Cold, rain, or snow can make gripping the ball tough. Gloves with rubberized palms give quarterbacks a stronger hold, especially late in the season when conditions turn rough.
- Injury protection - Some quarterbacks wear gloves to protect bruised fingers, sprained wrists, or even stitches. Gloves act as both padding and support.
- Medical reasons - Issues like hand numbness or smaller hand size can make it harder to grip the ball consistently. In those cases, gloves offer an advantage.
Quarterbacks Who’ve Worn Gloves
- Tom Brady occasionally wore gloves during cold-weather games, especially in New England winters.
- Ben Roethlisberger wore a glove on his throwing hand during the 2011 playoffs after dislocating a finger.
- Teddy Bridgewater became one of the few starting quarterbacks in the NFL known for consistently wearing gloves, so much so that they became part of his identity on the field.
These examples prove that while quarterbacks wear gloves less often than other players, they’re still a valid option when the situation demands it.
Gear Up for Any Position with Battle Sports
Quarterbacks may not wear gloves every snap, but when they do, whether it’s freezing cold, pouring rain, or they’re working through an injury, the priority is simple: keep a reliable grip ball and protect the throwing hand. While most QBs stick with bare hands, some have turned to gloves in tough conditions, and that’s where Battle has them covered.
Our same Ultra-Stick technology that helps a receiver secure a deep ball can also give a quarterback extra tack when the weather or situation demands it. Plus you get these benefits:
- Breathable, flexible fit – keeps your hands comfortable all game long.
- Style that flexes – bold colors and palm designs that turn heads on the field.
- 90-Day Durability Warranty – so you can play with confidence.
Whether you’re a quarterback looking for extra grip in winter weather or a receiver chasing highlight plays, Battle Sports football gloves are built to give you confidence, precision, and swagger. Pair them with our cleats and full line of football gear, and you’re ready to play fast, fearless, and at your best.