REF · 193025002202
5/5 VT
Offensive line
The offensive line is made up of the centre, two guards and two tackles. Their job is to protect the quarterback and open running lanes, in direct contact with the defensive line on every snap. This is the position where protection matters more than lightness. Lineman shoulder pads, with a wider shell and thicker padding, are built for repeated short-range collisions. The facemask has more bars, often including a vertical centre bar. Gloves focus on protecting the fingers and the back of the hand rather than on grip, and mid-cut or high-top cleats provide stability and ankle support when driving forward. Durability is also a key consideration, as every piece of kit is put under strain on every play.
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REF · 19302E5006306
5/5 VT
REF · JQ1409
REF · AF1756
REF · 060920082301
REF · 060420100001
REF · 060330070802
REF · 14GL000001*S
REF · CG10860
REF · GBFBBS2L-BBG
REF · AH4000
REF · 233011
REF · 23302206
REF · 23316106
REF · 75301506
Schutt
Vengeance ROPO-DW-TRAD-NB facemask
DB · DL · LB · OL · RB · TE
European price to come
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REF · 80170105
REF · 9950207
Shoulder pads
VICIS
ARC_V1 Varsity Trench shoulder pads
DL · OL · TE
from€359.90
sold out at this price
See the product
REF · 1909506
REF · 1909706
Shoulder pads
Kitting out an offensive lineman
An offensive lineman makes contact on every play, often against an opponent as heavy as he is. His equipment is designed for protection, stability and durability rather than speed.
Lineman shoulder pads
Lineman football shoulder pads have a wider shell and more padding than skill models. They are built to absorb repeated head-on impacts with the arms extended forward. The VICIS ARC_V1 Varsity Trench in our catalogue is listed for this position.
Helmet and facemask
Size and fit come first. For the facemask, linemen choose more closed designs, with extra bars and often a vertical centre bar: opposing hands and helmets arrive from the front at very close range. Long-distance vision matters less than at the skill positions.
Lineman gloves
Lineman gloves put protection first: a padded back, reinforced fingers and knuckles, and a hard-wearing palm to control an opponent within the rules. The Cutters Force 6.0 is the lineman glove listed for this position.
Cleats
Linemen look for a wide, stable base to drive from and good ankle support, which is why mid-cut and high-top football cleats are common here. The adidas Adizero Chaos II and the Nike Force Savage Pro 2 are listed for linemen in our catalogue.
Additional protection
- Elbow pads and forearm guards, since the arms are in constant contact.
- Girdle with hip, thigh and tailbone pads.
- Mouthguard.
- Hinged knee braces, worn by some linemen as a precaution, ideally on medical advice.
Buying tips
- Try shoulder pads with the arms extended forward, in a blocking stance: the shell should cover the upper chest without riding up against the neck or pinching the arms.
- Prioritise durability: stitching, reinforcements and materials are put to the test on every play.
- For the centre, who snaps the ball, choose football gloves that keep enough feel to deliver a clean snap.
Linemen often need large shoe and chest sizes, so check that bigger sizes are available and read the manufacturer's size guide before ordering.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between lineman and skill shoulder pads?
Lineman pads have a wider shell and thicker padding to absorb head-on impacts on every play. Skill pads are lighter and lower in profile, favouring arm movement and speed.
Why do linemen wear gloves?
To protect the fingers, knuckles and back of the hand, which take knocks against opposing helmets and pads. Lineman gloves are padded and tougher than receiver gloves.
Do offensive linemen need high-top cleats?
It is not compulsory, but mid-cut and high-top cleats are common at this position for ankle support when driving forward. Comfort and the player's injury history remain the deciding factors.