Depends on where you play and whats provided for you.

What you need to play the game is:
Helmet (w/ position appropriate mask) and mouthpiece.
Shoulderpads (position appropriate) and practice jersey.
a cup with jock strap.
a girdle that includes 2 hips pads and tailbone protection.
pants with belt
2 thigh pads & 2 knee pads.
Knee high tube sox and cleats.

Good luck.

A CUP. the family jewels are very important.
are u joining a team? ask ur coach or fellow teammates for what u need

Im pretty sure they supply you with pads and a helmet. You might want to get a cup, cleats, and depending on your position some gloves.

those are issued...maybe a cup, gloves, socks, jock strap, cleats

A protective cup. What kind of football league doesn't supply it's players with helmet/pads?????

You should be supplied with the pads and helmet from your team. Other then that you should invest in some cleats, a cup, a mouth piece, some turf tape for your elbows (or elbow pads), and like the other guy said, depending on your position gloves can be essential.

you don't have to buy your own equipment except a cup and cleats. i don't know what team you are joining but i wouldn't if they make me buy my own stuff.

The most important piece of equipment on the football field is the CUP. Now this ain't no dixie cup, and it ain't no coffee cup, and you sure as h**l don't want to be drinking nothing out of it.