equipment question

[StL FinFan]

What is the purpose of the armbands that players wear just above their elbows?

[Dolphin-UK]

I have heard multiple theories on these armands, the most common seem to be that it helps reduce the chances of tendonitis, the less popular theory is that orignally they were meant to protect the funny bone.

In reality the players wear them becuase they think it makes them look hench.

[MikeO]

everyone wants to look like Billy Bad-Ass

[mecadonzilla]

They probably wear them for the same reason Iverson wears a sock on his arm.  They THINK it helps...not that it actually has any real effect.  It's probably the same reason why you feel faster when you're driving a red sports car.

[Brian Fein]

I always thought it was to keep excess sweat off the forearms to help prevent fumbling due to moisture.  I know that some running-backs wear the rubberized elbow sleeve for extra grip on the ball.

[BigDaddyFin]

rubberized elbow sleeves are nice because they keep you from getting turf burn or scrapes on your elbows and actually give a springing sensation when you extend or snap your arms.  As far as those elastic bands those guys wear on their biceps just below their shoulders, no idea.  That was always a pretty boy thing when I played.