What are the black lines under a football players eyes called?

Answer 1

Its called Eye Black. Others call it Black Out. When I was in high school we called it Smudge. It is used because black absorbs light. Believe it or not, having that little black smudge under the eye will "pull" the light away from your eye and allow the player see the ball better than those who dont wear it. Other players say that the little difference is nominal while others (myself included) say that when you leave the local leagues and start to play at more competetive levels every little advantage helps. I used to use it especially during night games. The lights are murder when you are trying to find that ball against a dark sky

Answer 2

so the sun doesn't reflect too badly in their eyes

Answer 3

It suppose to reduce the sun's glare. But I've seen some players wear it at night games. Also some college players use paint of their school colors, which makes absolutely no practical sense.