NFL Explained: What do the C patches on NFL jerseys mean?

In the NFL, footballers who have been chosen as team captains frequently sport a "C" badge on their shirts. All NFL teams taking part in the captaincy program adhere to the same layout. The symbol, which comes in team colors, can be placed on either the front right or left breast based on other patches and other accessories worn by the particular squad.

The volume of gold stars on the patch denotes the duration of the player's captaincy. The "C" on the symbol is gold if the wearer has held the position of captain for more than four seasons.

The league began formally acknowledging team captains in 2007, authorizing up to six members per club to wear the captain's "C" on their shirts. Teams had been informally naming team captains for ages before then.

Several teams do not wear the "C" patch since they opt not to follow the NFL's scheme. These squads elect their captains based on internal procedures, such as selecting a new captain each week.

What do the NFL captains do?

Players that are team captains wear their badges with honor and take pride in their status as captains. The captain of an NFL team is often referred to as a skipper. A team's skipper is always that member of the team selected to be the team's on-field head. They are frequently one of the unit's more seasoned players and players who can significantly affect a match or possess strong leadership skills.

Kenny Clark celebrates with teammates after recording a sack in the fourth quarter against the Washington Football Team

As commanders on the pitch and in the dressing room, team captains are selected by the squad through a voting system or chosen by the head coach himself. The NFL permits clubs to select up to six unique captains, usually drawn from various positional groups.

Since NFL clubs are allowed a maximum of six captains, other players may serve in that capacity. Due to their importance to the team's play, the middle linebacker is frequently the captain on defense.

Captains can also make decisions that arise during a game. The decision-making authority for penalties that can be accepted or denied rests with the team's captains.