Beyond Football: How Sports Grip Towels Are Changing the Game
Quarterback Towels Aren’t Just for Football Anymore!
When you hear the term “quarterback towel” or “football towel,” chances are your mind jumps straight to the NFL quarterbacks throwing passes on Monday Night Football. These iconic white towels, often emblazoned with team logos, have been a fixture in football for decades. Originally designed to help quarterbacks dry their hands before throwing a pass, this simple piece of gear has evolved into an essential accessory for athletes in a growing number of sports.
Let’s take a look at why this handy piece of equipment is gaining popularity outside of football, because the usefulness of the grip towel doesn’t stop at the 50-yard line!
Why Grip Matters in Every Sport
From gripping a bat to swinging a golf club or throwing a pitch, athletes in many sports depend on dry, secure hands to perform at their best. Excess sweat can compromise grip, accuracy, and control—often with game-changing consequences. That’s why more and more athletes and coaches are turning to sport-specific towels for grip as part of their everyday gear.
These towels are lightweight, easy to carry, and can be customized to match a team’s identity. Whether attached to a belt, kept in a pocket, or hung on a dugout hook, grip towels are proving to be just as valuable off the football field.
Sports That Benefit from a Grip Towel
Here’s a look at several sports where “football towels” are now finding a second life as all-purpose sports towels for grip:
Baseball & Softball
Pitchers, infielders, and batters all rely on grip. From throwing sharp curves to swinging for the fences, a quick swipe of a towel before gripping the ball or bat can make all the difference in control and consistency. Many players keep a towel nearby on hot days or humid nights when sweat is relentless. Pitchers are using grip towels more and more to ensure fast, accurate pitches in high-stakes games. Pitcher towels are commonly used in college softball and baseball with team logos embroidered on them. It’s a sharp look that carries both function and school spirit.
Golf
In golf, precision is everything. Sweaty palms can throw off a shot, especially during a tense putt or a long drive. Golfers have long carried caddy towels on their bags to clean clubs, but now many are using smaller grip towels specifically for hand-drying between shots. Golf gloves are often used for improving grip, but not all golfers like using them. Having a sports towel for better grip is a great alternative!
Tennis & Pickleball
In fast-paced racquet sports, grip directly affects swing power, ball control, and injury prevention. Towels clipped to a waistband or placed courtside give players a quick way to stay dry between points.
Basketball
Though less common, some basketball players (especially point guards) use towels during practice or on the bench to manage sweat and maintain control when handling the ball.
Track & Field
Events like shot put, javelin, or discus require a solid grip to control trajectory and power. Athletes are increasingly using towels for this reason, especially when conditions are hot or wet.
Weightlifting & CrossFit
Lifters know that grip fatigue can be a limiting factor in training. A towel that quickly wicks moisture from hands without bulk or slippage is a must-have for high-rep sets and intense lifting sessions.
The Texon Towel Advantage: Customize for Performance & Pride
At Texon Towel, we understand that performance and team pride go hand in hand. That’s why we offer custom-embroidered grip towels that can be tailored to your sport, school, or club. Whether you’re a quarterback under the lights, a pitcher on the mound, or a golfer chasing par, a personalized towel adds both function and flair to your game.
Our towels are made from soft, absorbent materials that hold up through sweat, dirt, and repeated washes. With embroidery options available, you can add team logos, player names, or motivational phrases that help build unity and showcase your team’s identity.
They also make great gifts or team gear for tournaments, training camps, and travel leagues. And, they’re a practical upgrade that players will use every day!
Ready to Equip Your Team?
Don’t let something as simple as sweat get in the way of a big play. Explore Texon Towel’s selection of sports towels for grip, and learn how a small piece of gear can make a big impact. Add custom embroidery to make it truly yours.
Contact us today to request a quote or learn more about our options for teams, athletic departments, and individual athletes.