REF · 23303906
Linebacker
The linebacker lines up behind the defensive line. He tackles ball carriers, covers short passes and sometimes blitzes the quarterback, making it one of the most complete positions on defence. His kit has to match that all-round profile, able to take head-on collisions while still chasing a running back or a tight end in coverage. Shoulder pads are usually all-purpose or linebacker-specific, offering more coverage than skill models. The facemask sits in the middle of the range, gloves combine grip and protection, and cleats need to provide traction and support for lateral movement. The helmet, exposed to impacts on every play, deserves particular attention to size and fit.
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Schutt
Vengeance ROPO-DW-TRAD-NB facemask
DB · DL · LB · OL · RB · TE
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Shoulder pads
Linebacker: kit for an all-round defender
A linebacker reads the offence and reacts: he fills against the run, drops into coverage or rushes the quarterback. He is at the heart of the contact, often at speed, and must stay mobile enough to follow a running back or a tight end on their routes.
Shoulder pads
All-purpose or linebacker-specific football shoulder pads strike a balance: a wider shell and thicker padding than skill models, without the bulk of lineman designs. They protect the upper chest when tackling while leaving the arms free.
Helmet and facemask
Choosing a football helmet comes down to size, fit and certification. The facemask is often mid-range: enough bars for contact near the line of scrimmage, enough of an opening to follow routes in coverage.
Gloves
A linebacker sheds blockers with his hands, then has to wrap up a ball carrier or, now and then, catch the ball himself. All-purpose football gloves with a grippy palm and a reinforced back meet both needs. The Grip Boost Raptor 2.0 is listed for this position in our catalogue.
Cleats
Lateral shuffles, drops and bursts forward: a linebacker loads his feet in every direction. Football cleats with good traction and a mid-cut upper often provide a compromise between support and mobility.
Protective gear
- Girdle with hip, thigh and tailbone pads.
- Mouthguard.
- Elbow pads and, for some players, forearm guards.
- Rib protector for those who want extra cover around the torso.
Choosing by role
Not every linebacker plays the same game, and the kit can reflect those differences:
- Inside linebacker: more contact between the tackles, so pads with more coverage and a slightly more closed facemask.
- Outside linebacker: more pass rushing and coverage on the edges, so a compromise geared towards mobility.
- In every case: try the shoulder pads in a tackling position, back flat and arms forward, to check that they do not ride up against the helmet.
As at every position, helmet size and fit should be checked before each season, particularly for young players.
Frequently asked questions
Which shoulder pads suit a linebacker?
All-purpose or linebacker-specific pads: more coverage than skill models for tackling, less bulk than lineman designs so he stays mobile in coverage.
What gloves should a linebacker wear?
All-purpose gloves, with a grippy palm for wrapping up the ball carrier or catching the ball, and a reinforced back for contact with blockers.
Which facemask suits a linebacker?
A mid-range facemask, with enough bars to protect the face in contact near the line and enough of an opening to follow the play in coverage.