The Ultimate Guide to Linebacker Gear

Linebackers are one of the most important parts of the defense. They need to know how to cover, tackle, and read the offense. This being said, backers need the best gear to help them excel on the field. This is why we wrote the ultimate guide to Linebacker Gear.

Be sure to check out The Ultimate Guide to Runningback Gear.

Best Linebacker Helmets

Helmets are a necessity for linebackers in football because they provide protection against head injuries during tackles, hits, and, all types of contact. The helmet's hard shell and padding absorb the impact of hits and reduce the risk of skull fractures, concussions, and other brain injuries. Helmets also have a face mask that shields your face from accidental blows and eye injuries. Wearing helmets is necessary to keep linebackers safe and healthy while playing a physically demanding sport.

I recommend the Schutt F7 because of the new and innovative design and advanced technology. The Schutt has a hard Thermo Plastic shell allowing the helmet to absorb the impact of the hit. The helmet can also be adjusted for a perfect fit using the airliner and is a lightweight helmet. The Schutt F7 LTD is currently ranked number 3 on the Virginia Techs varsity football helmet rankings. The F7 allows for Linebackers to be able to see the field without limiting their vision. Overall, the Schutt F7 is a top choice for Linebackers who prioritize safety, comfort, and performance.

Another helmet I like is the Riddle SpeedFlex because it is overall one of the best linebacker helmets ever made. The Speedflex can be worn by any player at any position but it is fitting for linebackers because of the lightweight design that allows players to see and stay protected. For linebackers, this is important because they need to see the whole field in order to make a play. This helmet is widely considered as one of the best and safest and has been tested by various institutions such as the National Institute of Health. This is a perfect helmet for Linebackers because It looks cool (it's not a bucket) and keeps you safe.

Best Linebacker Pads

Pads are another important piece of gear for linebackers by providing protection to the shoulders by helping to absorb the impact of tackling. Linebackers use shoulder, hip, thigh, and knee pads. Shoulder pads should fit snugly on the shoulders and cover the collarbone and need to allow plenty of protection to make big hits. Hip, thigh, and knee pads must be worn inside the pants to provide additional protection to the hips and thighs.

The Riddell Phenom AP Adult Football Shoulder Pads offer excellent protection and comfort for Linebackers at every level. It is one of the best linebacker pads. These shoulder pads have great padding, which helps to absorb impact and keep players cool during games. The pads are designed to give the linebacker full range of motion, allowing them to play at their best. Overall, the Riddell Phenom AP Adult Football Shoulder Pads are a great choice for Linebackers looking for high-quality shoulder pads for football.

For a girdle or leg pants, I recommend the Nike Pro Hyperstrong Core Football Shorts. These are an excellent choice for linebackers who need protection and comfort during games. This girdle consists of a lightweight and breathable fabric that gets rid of any sweat to keep athletes dry and comfortable throughout the game by using the Nike Dryfit system. 

The pads also have targeted padding in high-impact areas, such as the hips, thighs, and tailbone, to protect players from hard hits and falls. The flat-seam construction also helps to minimize irritation and chafing, helping players stay focused on the game. Overall, the Nike Pro Hyperstrong Core Football Shorts are an excellent choice for linebackers who want to stay protected. I also recommend the Champro Ultra Light Knee Pads to go along with the girdle.

Best Linebacker Gloves

Linebackers wear gloves to improve their grip on the ball carrier during tackles. The gloves are designed to provide a tacky surface that helps them hold onto the ball carrier even in wet or slippery conditions. Additionally, the gloves protect the hands from cuts that can happen because of tackles. By wearing gloves, linebackers can improve their performance and reduce the risk of injury. You also just feel better in gloves. 

I recommend the Nike Superbad 6.0 Football Gloves because they are designed specifically for linebackers, providing excellent grip and protection on the field. These are some of the best linebacker gloves on the market. 

The gloves are made with a breathable, flexible material that allows for maximum movement and comfort, while also featuring a reinforced thumb and index finger for added durability and to prevent linebackers from tweaking their thumbs. The gloves also have a Velcro strap for a secure fit and are available in a variety of colors to match what ever color your team wears. Overall, the Nike Superbad 6.0 Football Gloves are a top choice for linebackers who want to perform their best and stay protected during games.

Another pair that is good for linebackers is the Nike Vapor 7.0 football gloves which are designed again with linebackers and runningbacks in mind, offering a comfortable fit and superior grip for maximum performance on the field. The gloves have a breathable and flexible construction. The silicone grip pattern on the palm and fingers provides excellent control and stability when catching and holding onto the ball if you get a pic. Additionally, the gloves come with adjustable cuffs for a secure and personalized fit. Overall, the Nike Vapor 7.0 gloves are a great choice for linebackers looking to enhance their game.

Best Linebacker Cleats

Linebackers need to have a good pair of cleats because their position requires them to make quick and sudden movements like pivots, lateral steps, and changes in direction. Good cleats allow linebackers to have better traction and grip on the field, preventing slips and falls that could result in injuries. When you’re out there dropping in coverage and suddenly have to flip your hips, you can’t be worrying about slipping. 

A pair of cleats I recommend for linebackers is the Nike Vapor Edge Shark Cleats. These cleats are perfect for outside linebackers who are primarily pass coverage players because they allow for great mobility to keep up with slot receivers. These cleats have great traction and they’re breathable which makes a big difference in the hottest weather.

Another pair of cleats I recommend is the Nike Strike Shark Cleats. Those are one of the best linebacker cleats on the market. These cleats are hightop which adds extra stability to the ankles which is better for inside and middle linebackers whose primary responsibility is to stop the run. These however can still allow for plenty of mobility and have great traction. They make you feel locked into place.

Linebacker Drip

One of my favorite ways to improve drip is with sleeves. Sleeves are used to keep your body cool in a hot environment and warm in a cold one. Sleeves can provide drip to wide receivers by just looking cool.

Note- if you play at the highschool level, do not wear drip (unless you’re really good) until you’re a junior or senior. 

Another way to increase your drip is with a visor. Visors can be used to intimidate your opponent but also can make you look TUFF. Visors are a really cool way to show off style on the field. Be careful with these and be sure to check with your coach to see if you are allowed to use certain visors.

One common type of drip and one of my favorites is backplates. It's smart for everyone to have a backplate because it makes you play better. For defensive guys, it gives you more power when you tackle because you're less likely to fold over. For offense, you can drive harder and be better protected when you have one on. That being said I recommend the Battle Back Plate. 

If you want to get more drip, you can also get headbands, gloves, eyeblack and cleats, turf tape, mouthguards, bicep bands, socks, facemasks, and so many more.

Overall, those recommendations are some of the best linebacker drip on the market. 

Q&A

What does a linebacker need to be?

A linebacker needs to be strong, fast, and agile to defend against both the run and pass. They also need to have good instincts and be able to read and react quickly to offensive plays. The 5 Star Football Package “Linebacker” Edition contains all the gym workouts, field workouts, nutrition, and more you need to become a D1 Linebacker.

Can linebackers wear f7s? 

Yes, linebackers can wear F7 helmets as long as the helmet meets the safety standards required by the league or organization they are playing in. The F7 helmet is a popular choice among football players due to its advanced safety features and comfortable fit.

What pads do linebackers wear?

Linebackers wear shoulder pads that provide lightweight protection and do not restrict their motion, such as the Riddell Phenom AP Adult Football Shoulder Pads They can also wear back plates and padded football gloves for extra protection.

What is a good linebacker build?

A good linebacker build depends on the player's position and playing style, but typically linebackers should have a combination of strength, speed, agility, and endurance. They should also have good vision, instincts, and the ability to quickly analyze and react to offensive plays.

Are linebackers big guys?

Linebackers can be big guys, but it depends on their position and playing style. Inside linebackers are typically larger and stronger, while outside linebackers are usually faster and more agile.

Why are linebackers so big?

Linebackers need to have sufficient size to play their position effectively, because of how often they take on blocks from offensive linemen who are big-bodied players. However, they cannot be too big as it can limit their ability to run quickly and make plays.

Are linebackers skinny?

Linebackers are not typically skinny, as they need to have enough size and strength to take on offensive linemen and make tackles. However, outside linebackers may be smaller and more agile than inside linebackers.

Do linebackers need to be strong?

Yes, linebackers need to be strong in order to take on offensive linemen and make tackles. They also need to be able to shed blocks and deliver impact hits that stop ballcarriers in their tracks. The fastest way to become a strong, complete linebacker is the 5 Star Football Package “Linebacker” Edition.