Why do football players paint black marks across their cheeks?

Answer 1

If you happen to be playing in very sunny weather, you can get some glare reflecting off your own cheeks which can to some slight degree interfere with your long distance vision. Black paint reduces the glare.

Answer 2

Its a glare protectant. Prevents the sun from reflecting off cheeks and blinding you. Baseball players use it too. Most guys just use it because they think it looks mean.

Answer 3

Some use it as a form of intimidation. It is thought that if used under the eyes, it can reduce glare.

Answer 4

The purpose of eye black under an athletes eyes is to reduce the reflection of the sun.