# Why do NFL players paint chalk under their eyes?

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-nfl-players-paint-chalk-under-their-eyes/519318>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [November 29, 2009, 7:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-nfl-players-paint-chalk-under-their-eyes/519318 "2009-11-29T07:47:27Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 2

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**Author:** ![Troy\_McClure\_SF](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/troy_mcclure_sf/32/4150_2.png) [@Troy\_McClure\_SF](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Troy_McClure_SF)\
**Post date:** [November 30, 2009, 11:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-nfl-players-paint-chalk-under-their-eyes/519318/21 "2009-11-30T23:35:06Z")

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> [@Marley23](#):
>
> Ah, that explains why they all look so even, and why so many athletes are now taking the time to write messages in the black space.

…usually written in shiny silver paint. :smack:

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**Author:** ![Arkcon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/96bed5/32.png) [@Arkcon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Arkcon)\
**Post date:** [November 30, 2009, 11:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-nfl-players-paint-chalk-under-their-eyes/519318/22 "2009-11-30T23:59:23Z")

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I’m pretty sure Cecil has actually covered this one – as I recall, he said the the black grease does sometimes block reflected glare, and it looks intimidating. Well, I think that’s what it says, the search function on the home page seems a little borked to me these days. Oh well, maybe someone else has a better way of searching.

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