All the Rules You Probably Didn't Know NFL Players Have to Follow

They must follow a strict dress code.Abbie Parr//Getty ImagesGetting dressed for game day isn't as simple as you might think. As it turns out, the NFL has several uniform rules.They don't get to choose just any jersey number.Getty ImagesNumbers are assigned based on a player's position—unlike other sports, where players have the ability to choose what number they wear. For example, if you're the quarterback, you can only choose a number between 0 and 19.Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowJerseys must be tucked in on the field.Kevin C. Cox//Getty Images"A player's appearance on the field conveys a message regarding the image of the league and directly affects the league's reputation and success," the NFL's Game Operations Manual states.They have to wear their pants just right.Katelyn Mulcahy//Getty ImagesThe official rule from the NFL states that players must wear pants that cover the entire knee area.Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowAnd their stockings have specifications, too.Icon Sportswire//Getty ImagesAccording to the official uniform policy statement, "Stockings must be white from the top of the shoe to midcalf and an approved team color from midcalf to the bottom of the pant leg, which must be pulled down below the knee."Towels can only be tucked into the front of the waist.Kathryn Riley//Getty ImagesAnd they can only use the towel specially issued by the NFL—no personal messages, logos, or names are allowed on it.Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowOnly some headwear can be worn during a game.Ethan Miller//Getty ImagesAside from helmets and headbands to keep sweat and hair back, players aren't allowed to don a bandana during a game, even if it's under the helmet.They can't leapfrog during the game.Getty ImagesAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowThey can wear designs on their shoes—but only during warmup.Kevin C. Cox//Getty ImagesHowever, there's an exception.Icon Sportswire//Getty ImagesPlayers have supported a charity of their choice on the field on certain weeks since 2016 through the My Cause My Cleats campaign.Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowThey can't wear personal messages on their bodies during a game.Icon Sports Wire//Getty ImagesThis rule came to light when DeAngelo Williams walked on the field in 2015 and honored his mother, a breast cancer survivor, with the message "find the cure" on his eye blacks. While the gesture was for a good cause, the league slapped him with a fine just shy of $6,000 for breaking this rule.But entire teams can make a social or political statement together.Ralph Freso//Getty ImagesRestrictions still apply though. When players wanted to support the Black Lives Matter movement during the 2020-2021 season, the league allowed them to use one of four pre-approved phrases on their helmets/caps.Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowAll accessories must be pre-approved too.Patrick Smith//Getty ImagesApparently, "there are no rules prohibiting jewelry—but the league policy does prohibit 'hard objects.'" That's why Odell Beckham Jr.'s watch was a problem in 2019.They can't skip meetings without permission.Mark Brown//Getty ImagesThere's only one good reason a player has for missing a meeting, and that's if he's sick, hurt, and/or a doctor signs off on it. If not, it could result in a fine.Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowThey can't miss official team practices.Michael Reaves//Getty ImagesIf players end up oversleeping and missing practice, they could face a steep fine.That includes preseason training camp.Mark Brown//Getty ImagesAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowSkipping preseason games can also result in hefty fines.Scott Taetsch//Getty ImagesPlayers can usually give balls to fans.Icon Sportswire//Getty ImagesWhen a ball is no longer needed for the game, it's allowed to be given away. Many players seem to enjoy the opportunity to give lucky fans a memory they'll never forget.Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowBut they have to do so in a safe way.Icon Sports Wire//Getty ImagesThey can't spin footballs in the air after a touchdown.David Madison//Getty ImagesThe reason for this? It could be viewed as disrespectful towards the opposing team—resulting in a "taunting penalty." The consequence could be a fine or a 15-yard penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct.Adrianna Freedman writes all things TV and film for Cosmo. When not binge-watching the latest series on Netflix, she is busy singing along to her favorite artists/showtunes, consuming too many coffees a day and dreaming about penning her next big story.