What football does the NFL use: A deep dive into the pigskin that powers America's game

What football does the NFL use: A deep dive into the pigskin that powers America's game

The National Football League (NFL) uses a very specific type of football that has become iconic in American sports culture. These footballs, often referred to as “pigskins” despite being made of leather, are carefully crafted to meet exacting standards that ensure consistency and fairness in the game.

The official NFL football is made by Wilson Sporting Goods and features a distinctive shape and size. It measures approximately 11 to 11.25 inches in length, with a circumference of 28 to 28.5 inches around the middle and 21 to 21.25 inches around the ends. The football weighs between 14 and 15 ounces and is made from four panels of cowhide leather that are tanned, cut, and stitched together.

The surface of an NFL football features a pebbled texture that provides better grip for players. This texture is created by embossing the leather with a pattern of small bumps or “pebbles.” The football also features eight laces, which are used to tighten the ball and provide additional grip for quarterbacks and kickers.

Interestingly, the NFL uses slightly different footballs for different positions and situations. For example, the “K-Ball” is a special football used exclusively for kicking plays. These balls are brand new and have not been broken in, making them harder and more difficult to kick. This is done to prevent teams from gaining an unfair advantage by using specially prepared footballs.

The process of breaking in footballs is a controversial topic in the NFL. Quarterbacks often prefer footballs that have been slightly broken in, as they are easier to grip and throw. However, the NFL has strict rules about how footballs can be prepared before games, as evidenced by the infamous “Deflategate” scandal involving Tom Brady and the New England Patriots.

The color of NFL footballs is also carefully regulated. The balls must be a specific shade of brown, with white stripes painted on each end. These stripes help players and officials see the ball more clearly, especially in low-light conditions or when the ball is in the air.

The evolution of the NFL football has been a gradual process. Early footballs were more rounded and resembled rugby balls. Over time, the shape became more elongated to facilitate forward passing, which became a key part of the game. The materials used to make footballs have also evolved, with modern footballs being much more durable and consistent than their predecessors.

One interesting aspect of NFL footballs is that they are all handmade. Each football is stitched together by skilled workers at Wilson’s factory in Ada, Ohio. This factory produces all of the footballs used in NFL games, as well as many of the footballs used in college and high school games.

The cost of an official NFL football might surprise some fans. While exact prices vary, an authentic NFL game ball can cost upwards of $100. This high price reflects the quality of materials and craftsmanship that goes into each football.

In recent years, there has been some discussion about potentially changing the design of NFL footballs to make them safer or easier to handle. However, any changes to the football would need to be carefully considered, as even small modifications could have a significant impact on the game.

The NFL football is more than just a piece of equipment - it’s a symbol of the game itself. From the way it’s made to the way it’s used on the field, every aspect of the NFL football is carefully considered to ensure that it meets the needs of players and maintains the integrity of the game.

FAQs:

  1. Q: Why are NFL footballs called “pigskins”? A: Despite the name, modern NFL footballs are made from cowhide leather. The term “pigskin” dates back to early versions of the game when balls were sometimes made from pig bladders.

  2. Q: How many footballs are used in an NFL game? A: The NFL requires that 24 footballs be available for each game, with 12 provided by each team. Additional footballs may be used for kicking plays.

  3. Q: Can fans buy official NFL game balls? A: Yes, fans can purchase authentic NFL game balls, though they may be slightly different from the ones used in actual games.

  4. Q: How long does it take to make an NFL football? A: It takes approximately three hours to handcraft a single NFL football at the Wilson factory.

  5. Q: Are all NFL footballs the same size? A: While there are strict size specifications, there can be slight variations in size and weight within the allowed tolerances.