How are knee braces used in football?

Knee braces in football are worn underneath the uniform to give support to the knee, helping the player avoid a new injury or recover from a previous one. Knee braces help protect against ACL, MCL and meniscus tears, which are prevalent in football.

Players choose from a variety of knee brace styles, usually depending on their position on the team or the severity of previous injuries. Sleeves, a type of brace that provide support during pivoting movements, are sometimes worn by athletes returning from injury. Offensive linemen typically wear a joint-stabilizer brace with added protection. Many professional players wear custom knee braces fitted to their bodies.