I’m sure you have noticed it before; watching an NFL quarterback with a handful of fingers in his mouth, just hustling to get a better grip on the ball. It looks a little silly, and more than a few fans have asked – why do NFL quarterbacks lick their fingers?
I don’t remember ever lacing up a pair of cleats, but I do recall my high school baseball coaches teaching us the importance of cleaning off your glove with a little bit of spit. When a pitcher comes out for the 8th inning of a close game, you can see him wiping the sweat from his brow before licking his finger to regain his grip on the ball. It seems that the same tactic is employed by NFL quarterbacks – the slight bit of moisture on the fingertips makes a difference.
It isn’t all about grip strength. Finger licking is a deeply rooted habit, dating back to the earliest days of the sport. Hall of Fame quarterback Warren Moon recently said, “When I was five and six years old, we were taught to lick the football to gain an edge over the opponent.” The practice takes root early, before most young athletes understand the scientific reason why.
NFL legends like Moon have developed other methods to keep their fingers dry and their grip strong. Many of the best quarterbacks rely on gloves to maintain their grip on the ball despite humidity or rain. But some quarterbacks opt for the old-fashioned solution. It’s almost like a badge of pride. Aaron Rodgers is one of the few quarterbacks whose hands appear to stay consistently dry during games, and he continues to lick his fingers despite owning the best hand grip in the NFL.
It’s a reminder that sometimes the most important skill an athlete can possess is the mental part – the ability to tune out the noise, stay motivated and find ways to work around barriers. Perhaps per-game rituals are a way for NFL quarterbacks to hit the reset button. Whether licking your fingers or wearing lucky socks, the routine helps athletes focus on the task at hand.
It’s also a case of safety being paramount. Licking the football before a throw gives the quarterback guaranteed stability on the surface of the ball – a foamy residue to ensure that the grip is solid, no matter when someone tries to tackle the football. In other words, it’s a preventative measure every quarterback takes to protect the game ball.
Oddly enough, finger-licking can often help deliver touchdowns too. A good example is when Tom Brady’s moistened hands help slip away pressure from an incoming defender. As strange as it may seem, Brady’s habit has helped him stay in control by avoiding fumbles. His split-second decision to “wet” the ball ultimately saved the Patriots’ chances of scoring.
Finger-licking is a time-honored tradition among NFL quarterbacks, and one that’s been with us for decades. It’s a practice that evokes both nostalgia and forward-thinking, proving that sometimes you need to get creative to keep up with the subtleties of the game. It’s also essential for keeping the game ball clean and providing the necessary grip to make sure the ball doesn’t slip away.
It can also be argued that “licking the fingers” represents defiance. The idea of being able to gain an edge in a sport that has millions of viewers worldwide is something of a thrill in itself. From defying weather conditions to avoiding defenders, it’s almost like the quarterback is daring the universe to test his grip of the ball. Finger licking is, in many ways, the perfect example of the type of tenacity and focus required to compete in the most difficult and dangerous sport in the world.
Most athletes understand the tradition of finger-licking. Pro-bowl quarterback Drew Brees recently discussed the importance of the ritual, saying “licking the fingers is a necessity sometimes. It’s a feeling like you’re taking control of the situation, whatever that may be.” From Brees to Brady, it’s clear that the habit still serves a purpose in modern NFL games.
Of course, finger licking prevents slippage, but in my opinion, one of the most underrated benefits is the confidence boost that comes with it. It’s not often that athletes can take a seemingly insignificant action and end up recognizing a huge benefit. In this case, that benefit is the assurance that the ball will not slip in between the quarterback and the receiver – and that’s something you can’t put a price tag on.
Amazingly enough, finger licking is making its way into other sports as well. Tennis players are now licking their fingers to get a better grip on the racquets and basketball players are using the same strategy to maintain control of the ball. Even golfers are licking their fingers for increased dexterity.
I’m not saying that licking your fingers every time you play a sport will make you the next Tom Brady or Aaron Rogers. But it’s safe to say that this simple and seemingly silly habit can actually end up giving you a greater control of the game. It’s a simple reminder that the biggest gains often come from the simplest of efforts.