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Defensive back

Defensive backs, meaning cornerbacks and safeties, form the last line of the defence. They cover receivers, break up passes and tackle ball carriers who have got past the first two levels. Their game relies on speed, backpedalling and the ability to make interceptions, so their kit looks a lot like a receiver's: light skill shoulder pads that do not restrict the arms, an open facemask to watch both the ball and the opponent, grippy gloves for interceptions, and light cleats with reliable grip through turns. Safeties, who are often more involved in tackling near the line, may look for slightly more protection than cornerbacks. Speed and protection have to be balanced carefully.

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QBQuarterbackRBRunning backWRWide receiverTETight endOLOffensive lineDLDefensive lineLBLinebackerDBDefensive backKKicker / punter
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Products

REF · 060330050802
Black Barnett FRG-03 receiver gloves, sticky palm on the left and glove back on the right
Barnett

FRG-03 receiver gloves

Receiver gloves DB · LB · RB · TE · WR
from€30.33
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REF · 060420580721
Black Barnett MARK I shoulder pad, front view with the shoulder caps and centre lacing
Barnett

MARK I shoulder pads

Shoulder pads DB · QB · WR
from€145.37
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REF · 060420570721
Barnett VISION I white and black shoulder pad, front view
Barnett

VISION I shoulder pads

Shoulder pads DB · QB · WR
from€105.00
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REF · CG10660-90115
Cutters Rev X glove, white and gold colourway, front and back view
Cutters

Rev X Receiver Gloves

Receiver gloves DB · LB · RB · TE · WR
from€74.95
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REF · GBFBDNA2-BGTSM
Grip Boost DNA 2.0 receiver glove in black, suede palm and back of hand, studio view
Grip Boost

DNA 2.0 Receiver Gloves

Receiver gloves DB · LB · RB · TE · WR
from€54.95
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REF · N1013383
Black and white Nike Vapor Jet 9.0 football glove, palm view
Nike

Vapor Jet 9.0 receiver gloves

Receiver gloves DB · LB · RB · TE · WR
from€65.90 sold out at this price
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REF · 23302506
Schutt F7 EGOP II-DW-NB-VC facemask, black, three-quarter view, transparent background
Schutt

F7 EGOP II-DW-NB-VC facemask

Facemasks DB · DL · LB · RB · TE · WR Out of stock
from€89.95
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REF · 23302106
Schutt F7 EGOP II-NB-VC facemask, black, three-quarter view, transparent background
Schutt

F7 EGOP II-NB-VC facemask

Facemasks DB · DL · LB · RB · TE · WR
from€59.99
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REF · 23303206
Black Schutt F7 EGOP III-NB-VC facemask, three-quarter view
Schutt

F7 EGOP III-NB-VC Facemask

Facemasks DB · DL · LB · RB · TE · WR
European price to come
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REF · 23303806
Schutt F7 EGOP IV-NB-VC facemask, black, three-quarter view, transparent background
Schutt

F7 EGOP IV-NB-VC facemask

Facemasks DB · DL · LB · RB · TE · WR
from€109.95
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Defensive back: kit built for coverage

Cornerbacks and safeties spend much of each play backpedalling, turning and accelerating to stay with a receiver. They also have to tackle at full speed. Their kit aims for lightness and freedom of movement, bearing in mind that collisions at this position often happen at high speed.

Skill shoulder pads

Skill football shoulder pads dominate here: a low profile, reduced weight and a wide range of motion for arms that need to contest the ball. The Schutt XV Flux Skill and the Xenith Velocity 2 in our catalogue are listed for defensive backs. A safety who often plays close to the line may prefer a model with a little more coverage.

Helmet and facemask

A defensive back must see the receiver and the ball at the same time. Open facemasks, similar to those worn by receivers, are common. As at every position, football helmet size and fit come before style.

Gloves

Defensive backs often wear receiver-style gloves: a tacky palm to hold on to an interception and a thin back to keep feel. Some choose a slightly more reinforced model to cope better with tackling.

Cleats

The backpedal, hip turns and bursts of speed call for light football cleats, often low-cut, with dependable traction in every direction. Moulded or detachable studs are chosen according to the playing surface.

Protective gear

Buying tips

  • Test shoulder pads in a backpedal and while turning the hips: they should neither slip nor hinder running backwards.
  • Choose football gloves in your exact size, to keep control of the ball when making an interception.
  • Try cleats while pivoting: the foot should stay firmly held during sharp turns.

A cornerback who plays mostly man-to-man coverage can aim for the lightest possible set-up. A safety, who switches between deep coverage and run support, is better off keeping a little extra protection, especially around the torso.

Frequently asked questions

Which shoulder pads suit a defensive back?

Skill shoulder pads, light and low in profile, which leave the arms free to break up passes. A safety who is often involved in tackles near the line may choose a model with a little more coverage.

Can a defensive back wear receiver gloves?

Yes, and it is common: the tacky palm helps with interceptions and deflections. Some prefer a slightly more reinforced glove to handle the contact of tackling.

Do cornerbacks and safeties need the same kit?

The basics are the same: skill shoulder pads, an open facemask and light cleats. Safeties, who come into contact near the line more often, sometimes look for extra protection such as a rib protector or pads with more coverage.