10 Best Football Back Plates 2025 in the United States

The Nxtrnd Football Back Plate is designed to offer good protection and comfort for both adult and youth players. It comes in two sizes: adult (10" x 7") and youth (8.5" x 5.5"), making it suitable for a wide range of players based on height and weight. Made from plastic, it’s lightweight at just 0.4 pounds, which helps keep overall gear weight down. One notable strength is its ergonomic curved shape that fits the lower back better than flat plates, enhancing comfort during play. It also has vents to promote airflow and reduce heat buildup, which is a nice feature for staying cool.

The back plate includes all installation hardware and uses an adjustable strap system, so it can be securely attached to most major shoulder pad brands, making it a versatile choice. While plastic is common for back plates, it might not offer the same high-impact resistance as some heavier materials like carbon fiber or reinforced composites used in more advanced models. Additionally, some users might find the matte black finish limits color matching options with their gear.

This back plate represents a practical, budget-friendly option that balances comfort, protection, and ease of use, especially for players looking for a universal fit without added bulk.

The O Shield Golden Cross Chrome Football Back Plate is designed specifically for youth players weighing less than 180 pounds, making it a good fit for younger athletes who need solid lower back protection. Its compact size (about 10.6 x 6.9 inches) suits the youth demographic but limits use for larger players. The back plate uses impact-absorbing plastic combined with a breathable foam cushion, offering reliable protection for the lower back, kidneys, and spine while maintaining comfort during play.

The unique crumpling technology helps absorb shocks effectively, which aids in injury prevention. Attachment is made easy with adjustable straps and a buckle closure, ensuring a secure fit with most football pants and belts. At only 0.22 kilograms, it is lightweight and won’t weigh players down. The product also stands out visually with a high-gloss finish and vibrant colors, which can boost motivation and confidence on the field.

This back plate does not come with a warranty, and its youth-only size means it’s not suitable for adult players or those above 180 pounds. For young football players or those purchasing for them, this back plate offers a solid combination of protection, comfort, and style at a reasonable price.

The Gameday Armour Backplate Nov YTH Americana OSFM is designed to protect young football players by covering the lower back, kidneys, and spine. It uses a sturdy plastic material that is lightweight at just 0.2 kilograms, making it comfortable without adding extra bulk. The backplate features a contoured shape with foam padding inside, which helps it fit snugly and comfortably against the back. Ventilation holes also improve breathability, so players won’t feel too hot during the game.

The included hardware makes it easy to attach to most shoulder pads, offering a universal fit that works well with various brands, especially since it’s made by Under Armour, a respected name in sports gear. It’s sized for youth players, which is important to ensure proper protection and comfort for smaller frames. This backplate covers only one side of the protection spectrum (backplate only), so players needing full body protection will still require additional gear.

The product delivers reliable protection and comfort for young athletes at a reasonable quality and price.