Recent Comments

How the Football Has Changed Since 1869

The first football game was played in 1869. Here’s how the ball has changed since then.

1869

football-1869

The first footballs were made from inflated pig bladders, each one an unpredictable size and shape. This roundish ball is where the term “pigskin” comes from. Back then, players mostly kicked the ball.

1874

football-1874

Because a heavy round ball was hard to throw, a new rugby-type ball was introduced. It looked like a watermelon and was still tough to toss, but helped the game introduce concepts like laterals and pitches.

1906

football-1906

With the first legal forward pass completed in 1906, the football really began to change. It was still clunky at nearly 1 pound, but players could keep a better grip on it and throw it around the field with improved accuracy.

1920

football-1920

The Spalding JF-V became the official ball of the American Professional Football Association. It was a more aerodynamic spheroid shape that could be thrown more accurately, giving birth to the “perfect spiral” and paving the way for the modern passing game.

1935

football-1935

The newly formed National Football League shortened the ball’s length to about 11 inches, the size and shape still used today. Officially, the shape is known as a “prolate spheroid.”

1941

football-1941

Wilson became the official manufacturer of NFL footballs and has been ever since. The company has made minor improvements like gripping and better laces, but not much has changed. In fact, the football has been designed and manufactured in the same way for decades.

THE FUTURE

football-future

Wilson is now experimenting with sensor technology, which would provide real-time data to referees and officials. The advances could eventually make the sport fairer and eliminate some human errors.

33 Comments on How the Football Has Changed Since 1869

  1. BUCK - DC W // January 7, 2024 at 1:17 pm // Reply

    ALL state LB 4 3yrs n a little town me LA one I broke 4 arms after that they need nicnamed me brake a arm are BUCK I’m glad it was only 1yr

  2. The Future is cool.

  3. I love the pix. Thank you!

    Correction: Football–a version that looked more like a cross between soccer and rugby–was played earlier than 1869. (That 1869 game may have been the first college game…) There was a high school game that was played on Boston Common in November of 1862.

  4. That’s lame bru

  5. cool

  6. not cool

  7. real cool

  8. bro das so cwazzy🐵

  9. anonymous // June 7, 2021 at 8:03 am // Reply

    i like football but i had to do a sage project

  10. I’d like to report missin persons.

  11. nice

  12. But yeah cool

  13. So helpful and cool.

  14. dekulover3000 // November 5, 2019 at 6:17 pm // Reply

    i’m not into foot ball I just had to do this for a school project. I hated it.

  15. this website is really cool

  16. that one dude in the comments // March 14, 2019 at 9:45 am // Reply

    so interesting

  17. So interesting!

  18. MathGenius88 // January 10, 2019 at 2:11 pm // Reply

    “Wow how football has changed.”

  19. I would like to remain anonymous // February 19, 2018 at 8:48 pm // Reply

    I really learned a lot about the history of the football.

  20. this was great

  21. I love football!! Who’s ready 4 the game 2NITE?

  22. So cool

Leave a Comment

Please don't use your real name.