For me HS football late 70's, hanging in the locker room with the teamates all strapped, thought it bonding to have the pouches highlighted and accentuated and the way the straps would also frame a hot ass was in my mind a celebration or homage of becoming a man.
little league football was my first fascination in the 70's, then HS ball with my teammates in the locker room and at FB camp, it was kinda a bonding experience to utilize the jocks in hazing rituals or just hanging out