Why do football players not close their gloves?

Answer 1

Typically receivers don't close their gloves because their hands have to snap shut around the ball and closing the back of the glove hinders how fast the hands can close. As a simple illustration, try on a pair of receiver gloves and try to make a fist with the gloves with the backs closed then with them open. You should be able to feel the greater freedom and quickness when closing down on the ball.