The Evolution of the Football’s Unique Shape
The Origins of “Pigskin”
The iconic “pigskin” of American football is not actually made from pig skin, but rather from cowhide. The nickname likely originated from the speculation that the early footballs were made from pig bladders.
The Mysterious Evolution of the Football’s Shape
While football evolved from soccer and rugby, the distinct prolate spheroid shape of the modern football was not intentionally designed. According to Henry Duffield, who witnessed an early intercollegiate game in 1869, the ball was supposed to be round but became lopsided due to uneven inflation.
The Influence of the Forward Pass
As football merged kicking and running games and rules standardized, the ball gradually stretched out to accommodate different play styles. The introduction of the forward pass in 1906 further influenced the ball’s shape, allowing for more accurate and efficient passing.
The Evolution of the Football in the 20th Century
In the early 20th century, the football’s shape was formalized, and the forward pass became a dominant part of the game. In the 1930s, the ball became longer and slimmer to enhance passing capabilities.
The Birth of “The Duke”
In 1941, the NFL adopted an official football nicknamed “The Duke,” after Wellington Mara, whose father was named after the Duke of Wellington. The name became synonymous with the NFL’s partnership with Wilson Sporting Goods, which has produced the official NFL football for over 70 years.
Modern Football Specifications
To be used in an NFL game today, a football must meet specific requirements:
- Urethane bladder inflated to 12.5-13.5 pounds
- Pebble-grained, tan leather outer shell for enhanced grip
- Length: 11-11.25 inches
- Long circumference: 28-28.5 inches
- Short circumference: 21-21.25 inches
- Weight: 14-15 ounces
The Role of Wilson Sporting Goods
Since 1955, every NFL football has been hand-crafted at Wilson’s factory in Ada, Ohio. The company’s secret tanning recipe optimizes the leather for football weather conditions, and each synthetic bladder is produced by a single individual.
The Journey from Pigskin to Cowhide
The evolution of the football from pigskin to cowhide reflects the advancements in materials and manufacturing techniques. The use of synthetic bladders further enhanced the ball’s durability and performance.
The Impact of Football Rules
Throughout history, changes in football rules have influenced the design of the ball. The legalization of blocking below the waist in the 1970s, for example, led to the adoption of a more oblong shape to reduce injuries.
The Future of the Football
As football continues to evolve, the design of the ball may also undergo further refinement. Technological advancements in materials and manufacturing could lead to new innovations that enhance the game’s safety, performance, and overall experience.
