Why Do They Do That?
By Bonnie
@yoyo1198 (3641)
United States
September 8, 2011 10:16pm CST
I'm watching the Packers vs. Saints game this evening. I'm noticing that some of these guys have muscles where there shouldn't even be muscles. 
Anyway, I'm also seeing some of the players licking their fingers during game play. Why do they do that? Is it a nervous-type thing? Is there a purpose to it?
After doing this, they're handling the ball and then other players are touching it. Wouldn't this be kind of unsanitary? Notwithstanding that it's unsanitary to be licking fingers in the first place, whatever the reason.
Anyway, I'm also seeing some of the players licking their fingers during game play. Why do they do that? Is it a nervous-type thing? Is there a purpose to it?
After doing this, they're handling the ball and then other players are touching it. Wouldn't this be kind of unsanitary? Notwithstanding that it's unsanitary to be licking fingers in the first place, whatever the reason.4 people like this
9 responses
@ANTIQUELADY (36440)
• United States
10 Sep 11
They do have alot of muscles, lol. They wet their fingers so they can hold onto the ball better. I'm sure it is very unsanitary but most guys that play probably never think about that end of it. They just want to win. Go TENNESSEE VOLS TODAY.
@ANTIQUELADY (36440)
• United States
11 Sep 11
Hey, i thought once a Tennessee fan , always one, lol. they played their 2nd game yesterday & have won both. GO VOLS!!!!
@yoyo1198 (3641)
• United States
11 Sep 11
When I lived in Tennessee, I rooted for the Tennessee teams. That was when I was in college though. I don't have any favorite teams now. But I usually seem to want the underdogs to win. I haven't checked out the Vols' stats. Are they winning? Thanks for dropping in.
1 person likes this
@suspenseful (40193)
• Canada
9 Sep 11
I think it is so that they can throw the ball faster so it will not stick to their fingers. i do not think there is a psychological reason such as nervousness to this practice. I do not think they worry about unsanitary as the whole field is full of dirt and germs and they are getting no a mess. Besides if you want it to be sanitary, have them all play in an isolated white room.
@suspenseful (40193)
• Canada
10 Sep 11
I did not know that. Shows how much I know about football. I am not exactly a football fan. I get the innings confused with the periods, etc.
@dragon54u (31634)
• United States
9 Sep 11
Oh hell, what's the big deal with spit? It evaporates quickly and as close as those guys work together I doubt there's a germ they don't share. I don't watch football, it's very boring to me, but this obsession with sanitation drives me nuts--and it's a very short drive! 
@yoyo1198 (3641)
• United States
9 Sep 11
Hi, dragon....Yeah, I suppose a little spit doesn't matter much when the guys are sharing as much as they do as mentioned in the first response. I really don't have an obsession with 'sanitation' though. At least, not here in my place. After all, we do need a certain amount of bacteria on and in us.
Thanks for responding. Hopefully, friends here at myLot can help you in regards to that 'drive'. I'd offer you a bloody mary but we're fresh out this morning. I don't think you sound at all close to the edge (no more than some myLot people I've read lately anyway ).
I'd offer you a bloody mary but we're fresh out this morning. I don't think you sound at all close to the edge (no more than some myLot people I've read lately anyway ).
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
9 Sep 11
It's a bit like our soccer goalkeepers spitting on their gloves, then clapping. It's really irritating and doesn't help the ball stick to their gloves at all. I've also seen wicket-keepers in cricket do it as well. It's very strange and yes, you're right..not at all hygienic!
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
9 Sep 11
I think the clapping must rub the spit in better but why they have to spit into the gloves in the first place is a mystery my friend!
As for the cooking, yes, it's going well. Yesterday I baked some mini Rock Buns (Scones) with jam and clotted cream in each one..and yes, they ARE yummy!
@kenzie45230 (3560)
• United States
9 Sep 11
Excellent question. Yuck.
I'm glad you had some folks with experience stop by to answer.
Again...yuck.
@blue65packer (11826)
• United States
9 Sep 11
I never have heard someone ask this question before! I think it is funny! With the muscle question. Football players work their butts off to look like that! It is part of the game! I see players lick their fingers all the time,especially the QB. I never thought it was unsanitary! I think some do it do it to get a better grip on the ball. It is part of the game.
@hardworkinggurl (37063)
• United States
9 Sep 11
I play softball for 8 years now and a lot of the male players also lick their fingers prior to pitching the ball. I was told that they do this as to have a good grip on the ball as a responders stated above also.
I asked because I thought it was yucky to see.
Without fail they do this all the time.
Without fail they do this all the time. 