Question: Sub Zero Temps and Bare Arms?

[Herkmeister]

I've asked this questions to a number of people and never seem to get a satisfactory answer: At today's temps in Minneapolis, frostbite should take place on exposed skin in 30 minutes. Can someone answer the following questions?

• Why doesn't the skin on player's arms freeze?
• Don't players lose considerable heat through their arms?
• Does their physical exertion affect this?
• How can players possibly keep their hands warm?
• Have players suffered frostbite in games?

I've played football in cold weather, but nothing like this. I've also done physical work in conditions like this. But I've never done it in a short sleeved shirt with -20° windchill.

Would appreciate some insight from those of you who may have played in such conditions.

 

[shoot_the_three]

I think I heard that they have some kind of cream that they put on their arms, not the kind Bonds used. They prefer that because they don't have to put on layers and it can be like every other week. Thought I heard a player mention this sometime this week on the radio.

 

[Herkmeister]

I think I heard that they have some kind of cream that they put on their arms, not the kind Bonds used. They prefer that because they don't have to put on layers and it can be like every other week. Thought I heard a player mention this sometime this week on the radio.

Had not thought of something like that. Thanks.

 

[QChawks]

I heard they wipe vasoline on there arms.

Not buying that it helps though.

 

[ping72]

Played a playoff game in HS that was cold enough that school was an early dismissal. It sucked warming up but once you get going you don't notice much. But I played all the time.

In college when I played only defense it was a bit worse as you had time to cool off. But I never played a super cold college game. Afternoons helped.

 

[Herkmeister]

Played a playoff game in HS that was cold enough that school was an early dismissal. It sucked warming up but once you get going you don't notice much. But I played all the time.

In college when I played only defense it was a bit worse as you had time to cool off. But I never played a super cold college game. Afternoons helped.

I have had players tell me they've never been cold while playing, but I'm not buying it. Not when it's sub zero. But thanks, that was interesting and kind of validates what others have said.

The bare arm thing still bothers me. I just don't see how they can do it with no damage. Also thought I'd read some players in the Green Bay Ice Bowl suffered frost bite on hands and and feet and some suffered for life. I'm not sure that's true. Guess I need to Google it.

 

[Herkmeister]

Just read that Kellen Winslow had frostbite in his big toe because of the Freezer Bowl. I guess they are human.

 

[Hawk_82]

I have never understood the bare arm thing. the only reason to not wear sleeves is to prove how tough you are. I don't know anybody who performs better when they are freezing cold so why not stay warm and win the game rather than prove you're tough and try to tolerate the cold

 

[Herkmeister]

I have never understood the bare arm thing. the only reason to not wear sleeves is to prove how tough you are. I don't know anybody who performs better when they are freezing cold so why not stay warm and win the game rather than prove you're tough and try to tolerate the cold

I just don't get how they do it. Bare arms have to reduce a person's core temp. Hell, bare ears increase loss of body heat.

 

[IAHawk2011]

OP, you must be a Hillary or Bernie supporter. Trying to take away our right to bare arms? That's just un-American.

 

[Scott559]

Here is an article from Iowa's own Matt Bowen on staying warm in freezing weather, Vaseline is indeed still used.

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/14525394/seven-ways-nfl-players-stay-warm-frigid-conditions-nfl

 

[PerkyForHerky]

If you sweat during your pregame warm ups and keep your temperature up, that sweat can help keep you warmer basically as insulation.
Vaseline, Tinactin helps. There's lots of different things you can mix together.
Also things like warm chicken broth. Can keep it warm and the sodium will help hydrate.
Not to mention of course there are heaters on the sideline when you're not playing and the benches are heated. Benches usually have spots to keep the helmet warm also, which will keep your head and neck warm which is some of the most crucial spots (thinnest skin to blood vessels, etc)

 

[Curt Furence]

Here is an article from Iowa's own Matt Bowen on staying warm in freezing weather, Vaseline is indeed still used.

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/14525394/seven-ways-nfl-players-stay-warm-frigid-conditions-nfl

I was going to post this too. Some interesting things in here.

 

[shoot_the_three]

It was more about routine and being comfortable according to the player I heard interviewed. Offensive lineman don't like the sleeves because it gives the defensive something else to grab. For some it probably is about being tough (Bud Grant yesterday) but players are so superstitious that if they think play better without sleeves they aren't going to change their routine and wear them.

 

[Rustys Dad]

I think the guys with no sleeves were absolutely nuts. I don't care if you are "used to no sleeves" or if it does give the DLinemen something to grab onto ... But exposing your skin in -25 temperatures for 3+ hours is simply stupid. And, if others did it because it makes them seem tough, well, you are extra stupid ...

 

[Herkmeister]

OP, you must be a Hillary or Bernie supporter. Trying to take away our right to bare arms? That's just un-American.

If you were here I'd kick your ass for saying that!!!

 

[Titanhawk2]

Did you see that the Vikings had a heating system installed under the field? Keeps the field temp at 40 degrees in temps down to 15 below. Have to imagine the warmth rising up and body heat would offset air temp close to the field.

 

[Herkmeister]

Did you see that the Vikings had a heating system installed under the field? Keeps the field temp at 40 degrees in temps down to 15 below. Have to imagine the warmth rising up and body heat would offset air temp close to the field.

I did see that but I don't think there would be much impact from that. The wind would void any impact in my opinion.

 

[Curt Furence]

I was listening on the radio for part of the game yesterday and Hub Arkush was on the sideline and said that the temps in the shade on the Seahawks sideline were reading at -4 and the Vikings sideline was registering at 16 degrees. I know it was likely not overly accurate because the sun was directly on one but crazy it made that big of a difference for the benches.

 

[Urohawk]

If you sweat during your pregame warm ups and keep your temperature up, that sweat can help keep you warmer basically as insulation.

I agree with keeping your core temp up, but sweating results in evaporative cooling and no way does it keep you warmer. Same way getting out of a pool while wet on a windy day feels terribly cold. I refer to Les Stroud on Survivorman when it comes to sweating in the cold.