Why NFL uniform rules have players feeling like a 'mannequin'

"MINKAH FITZPATRICK'S MIND rolls through what seems like a million possibilities in the mere seconds before each snap. What's the offensive formation? Are he and his Miami Dolphins teammates in the right coverage? What potential routes might the opposing receivers be running? There's so much to consider. And, yet, nowhere on that list of concerns is the precise length of his pants. Much to chagrin of the Dolphins safety, the NFL is actually quite interested in this."

"This became evident years ago when Fitzpatrick joined the long list of NFL players to be fined for a uniform violation. Even subtle violations can trigger stiff financial consequences that run well into the five figures, intended to be deterrents to noncompliance. But Fitzpatrick didn't exactly heed the message. "I'm the poster boy for uniform fines," said Fitzpatrick, who became well known as a repeat offender of the NFL's strict uniform policies during his six seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers."

Minkah Fitzpatrick's pre-snap focus encompasses formations, coverage and receiver routes, not uniform details like pant length. The NFL enforces strict uniform policies and fines players for violations, sometimes imposing penalties that reach into the five figures as deterrents. Fitzpatrick has been a repeat offender and has been fined for subtle infractions. He recounts being told his pants were too high and that his socks did not match, describing numerous nuanced requirements. Uniform violations often arise from players seeking comfort and flexibility, such as pant length or knee-pad placement. The enforcement creates financial consequences and can clash with player comfort and equipment preferences.

Read at ESPN.com