Are NFL Footballs Really Made of Pigskin?

You may have heard that NFL footballs are made of pigskin. But is this really true? We did some research to find out.

Introduction

Contrary to popular belief, NFL footballs are not made of pigskin. In fact, they haven’t been made of pigskin since 1941. Today, NFL footballs are made of cowhide leather, which is treated with a variety of chemicals to preserve its quality and prevent it from rotting.

The History of Footballs

The first footballs were made of pig bladders and other natural materials. In 1855, Yale University took the sport of football seriously enough to have rules and a governing body, and it is from Yale that many other aspects of the game originated.
In 1892, John Heisman (for whom the Heisman trophy is named) became the first professional football coach. At that time, footballs were still made of pigskin, but the process was about to change.
In 1893, a University of Chicago student and football fan named George Halas was given a deflated pig’s bladder as a souvenir. Halas filled the pig’s bladder with air using a bicycle pump and tied it closed. He then took this new “football” to play with his friends.
This new way of making a football was much better than using a pig’s bladder, but it was still not perfect. The next major innovation in football came in 1941 when Wilson Sporting Goods Company created the first synthetic football.

The Material of Footballs

In the past, footballs were made of cowhide or other animal skins. However, these days, most footballs are made of synthetic materials. The material that a football is made of can affect its performance, so it’s important to choose the right material for your needs.

Pigskin is a traditional material for footballs. It is strong and durable, but it can be quite heavy. Pigskin also absorbs moisture, so it can get slippery in wet conditions.

Most professional footballs are now made of synthetic materials such as polyester or PVC. These materials are much lighter than pigskin, so they make the ball easier to throw and catch. They also don’t absorb moisture, so they don’t get slippery in wet conditions.

The Process of Making Footballs

To make a football, the manufacturer starts with a mold of the half-sphere that will become the ball. Next, they cut strips of tanned leather—called hides—into individual panels and sew them together to form the ball’s “shell.” Finally, they stitch on a tecoweave cover made of synthetic fabric, which adds durability and makes the ball easier to grip.

The Quality of Footballs

The quality of footballs has been questioned for years. The first concern was that the balls were too hard and caused severe injuries. In the early 1900s, President Theodore Roosevelt ordered that the ball be made softer to reduce injuries in the game. The second concern was that the balls were not uniform in size and weight, which gave some teams an advantage over others. The ball was standardized in size and weight in 1934.

The third concern is that the balls are not made of pigskin anymore. In fact, they have been made of synthetic materials since 1974. The material is a leather-like substance called composite leather or polyurethane. It is more durable than natural materials and does not absorb water, so it can be used in all weather conditions.

Some people believe that the quality of footballs has decreased over time because they are not made of pigskin anymore. However, there is no evidence to support this claim. In fact, NFL footballs are tested rigorously to ensure that they meet strict quality standards.

Conclusion

So, are NFL footballs really made of pigskin? The answer is yes and no. The outer casing of the ball is indeed made of pigskin, but the inner lining and bladder are made of other materials. This combination makes for a durable and long-lasting ball that can withstand the rigors of NFL play.