Are NFL Footballs Still Made of Pigskin?

You may have heard that NFL footballs are no longer made of pigskin. So what are they made of now?

Introduction

The answer to the question in the title of this article is both yes and no. If you want to get technical, NFL footballs are made of cowhide, not pigskin. However, they are still referred to as pigskins.

Pigskins were once used to make footballs, but that was before the invention of synthetic materials. Today, most footballs are made of synthetic materials, such as polyurethane or PVC, that are more durable and provide a better grip than natural materials like pigskin.

So, while NFL footballs are no longer made of pigskin, the term is still used to refer to them.

What is Pigskin?

Pigskin is the hide of a pig that has been tanned and processed into leather. It is very strong and durable, making it an ideal material for many products, including footballs. NFL footballs have been made of pigskin since the league was founded in 1920.

Today, there are two types of pigskin footballs used in the NFL: those made with traditional tanned leather and those made with synthetic materials. While both types of balls are regulated by the NFL, each has its own benefits and drawbacks.

Tanned leather footballs are the traditional choice for NFL games. They offer a good grip and are very durable, but they can be expensive to produce. In addition, tanned leather footballs can absorb moisture from the atmosphere, which can make them heavier and more difficult to throw.

Synthetic footballs are made of materials like polyurethane or vinyl. They are less expensive to produce than tanned leather balls, but they do not offer as good a grip and are not as durable. Synthetic footballs can also absorb moisture, but they do not gain as much weight as tanned leather balls

The History of Pigskin in the NFL

The answer to the question of whether or not NFL footballs are still made of pigskin is somewhat complicated. Pigskin has been used to make footballs since the early days of the sport, but the exact composition of the balls has changed over time.

Today, most NFL footballs are made of cowhide leather, which is more durable and easier to obtain than pigskin. However, some balls are still made partially or entirely of pigskin, and this type of ball is sometimes used in special circumstances such as in cold weather games.

Why is Pigskin Used in Footballs?

There are a number of reasons why pigskin is still used to make footballs today. One of the main reasons is that pigskin is more durable than other types of leather, which means that it can withstand the rough treatment that footballs often receive during games. Pigskin is also relatively cheap to produce, which helps keep the cost of footballs down.

In addition, pigskin has a number of natural properties that make it ideal for use in footballs. For example, pigskin is naturally grippy, which helps players get a good grip on the ball when they are throwing or catchi

What are the Alternatives to Pigskin?

There are a few different materials that can be used to make a football, but the two most popular options are pigskin and synthetic leather. Both have their own benefits and drawbacks, so it really comes down to personal preference.

Pigskin has been used to make footballs for centuries and is still the material of choice for many professional and amateur teams. One of the biggest advantages of pigskin is that it is very tough and can withstand a lot of wear and tear. However, pigskin can be quite expensive, especially if you want a ball that is made from 100% pure pigskin.

Synthetic leather is a cheaper alternative to pigskin, but it doesn’t have the same durability. Synthetic leather footballs are often made from PVC or PU, which are both cheaper materials than pigskin. However, synthetic leather footballs can be just as good as pigskin balls if they are made well.

Conclusion

Yes, NFL footballs are still made of pigskin. In fact, they have been made of pigskin since 1892. The material is chosen for its durability and resilience, which is why it remains the preferred choice for making footballs today.