How Do NFL Players Who Need Glasses, See On the Gridiron?

Being healthy and fit are certainly requirements for being a successful and impactful NFL player. In a previous post, we highlighted two-time Pro Bowler Russell Okung’s weight loss. Thanks to a hydration-filled water diet, he shed an additional 50-plus pounds after his initial 102-pound weight loss. 

One aspect of playing football professionally that is often overlooked, however, is a player’s eye health. In 2020, quarterback Jameis Winston got LASIK surgery a few months before signing with the New Orleans Saints. Previously, Winston had spoken about the lack of precision and sharpness in his vision due to astigmatism. Part of the quarterback’s vision struggles included trouble reading street signs and license plates, which, as you can imagine, may make playing football well even more difficult than it is.

Post-surgery, Winston hit the field in his debut with the Saints, seemingly celebrating his renewed sight. With former QB Drew Brees retired Winston became the first quarterback in NFL history to throw five Pass touchdowns and no interceptions in a season-opener in his first career start with a new team. He became the seventh quarterback to do so and the first since Lamar Jackson in 2019. Of course, Jameis Winston isn’t the only NFL player who’s had vision struggles that may get in the way of their professional football career. In this post, we’ll take a look at how some NFL players who need glasses see on the gridiron:

Contact lenses

For vision correction, contact lenses may be the best and most viable alternative to eyeglasses. In fact, many NFL players who need prescription glasses tend to rely on contacts to be able to see clearly on the gridiron. Contact lenses are also easier to wear alongside other protective equipment like helmets or goggles, helping protect the eyes from injury. These contact lenses are likely daily disposables, as contacts can be knocked out of place during games. Contacts like the ACUVUE OASYS® 1-DAY contacts provide all-day performance and comfort, as well as high-quality UV-blocking, making them perfect for football players.

Rich Ohrnberger, who played for the Patriots, Cardinals, and Chargers, relied on contact lenses to help him with his eyesight issues when playing. Still, contact lenses aren’t the end-all-be-all for professional footballers. Early in 2024, the Internet learned about Nike’s now-banned UV-blocking contact lenses, the MaxSight, which acted a bit like sunglasses to filter UV light and sun glare. Former NFL player Kyle Vanden Bosch was also part of the MaxSightbandwagon, buying out Nike’s supply when they eventually discontinued the product.

Visors

Across the many different football leagues, whether the NFL, NCAA, or CFL, visors are technically only allowed in play if they are 100% clear. However, certain medical reasons may require players to have tints in their visors for eye protection. This is because some tinted football visors can help enhance depth perception, colors, and contrast, which can be a huge advantage on the field. Recently, the NFL made an exception for Oakley’s tinted visors due to a seven-year partnership extension, making the brand an official eyewear provider for the NFL. The contract was first signed in 2019, giving NFL stars the option to wear tinted helmet visors.

It’s important to note, however, that while tinted visors may provide a performance advantage for NFL players, they aren’t prescription-compatible. As such, they aren’t the best solution for NFL players with vision correction issues or concerns, as the visors are placed too far away from the face and eyes to boost any vision clarity

Goggles

Finally, another essential vision correction tool for NFL players who may be having vision issues on the gridiron is a pair of NFL football glasses. Former running back Eddie Lacy, who played for the Green Bay Packers, was known for quite a few things, from his powerful running style to public ridicule about his weight during and after his football career. Another thing Lacy was known for on the field was his precise vision. After suffering from eye irritation caused by contacts, Lacy moved over to goggles.

Goggles have been an NFL staple for a long time. Hall of Fame running back Eric Dickerson wore prescription goggles during the 1984 season. In the same season, Dickerson eclipsed the 2,000-yard barrier when he carried the ball 379 times for 2,105 yards.