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Best Football Back Plates

Updated September 2021
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We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

First Reviewed
September 27, 2021
30
Models
considered
8
Hours
researched
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Ade Hennis
Written by Ade Hennis

Updated September 2021

Football back plates attach to the shoulder pads, providing protection for the lower ribcage and back. Football back plates primarily consist of foam encased in a hard plastic. This configuration allows the back plate to remain lightweight and durable. Because football players may be hit and tackled from behind, the back plate is a necessary piece of protection. You’ll find different sizes of football back plates, matching the height of the player. Some types of football back plates will be machine washable. Because they can become grimy and dirty, the ability to clean these pads easily is important. Back plates are available in a few different shapes, which will help you find the most comfortable fit. Rectangular shapes are the most common, but some have a slightly oval or shield shape.

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