What Are NFL Footballs Made From?
Contents
A look at the material composition of an NFL football and how it has evolved over the years.
Introduction
An NFL football is made from four different materials. The innermost layer is called the bladder, and it is made from latex rubber. This rubber helps to keep the shape of the football while providing a small amount of give to help with grip and catching.
The next layer is made from polyurethane, and it helps to add strength and rigidity to the ball. This material also provides a little bit of cushioning to help protect players from impact.
The third layer is made from thread, and this helps to keep the shape of the ball while providing a surface that can be gripped by players.
The outermost layer is made from leather, and this helps to provide a durable surface that can be used in all weather conditions.
The Materials
NFL footballs are made of cowhide leather that has been tanned and treated. After the leather is cut into panels, it is sewn together by hand. The inside of the football is filled with a rubber bladder that is also sewn shut by hand. Finally, the football is covered with a synthetic material that has tiny pebbles to give it texture.
The Bladder
The bladder is made of natural latex rubber. It is in charge of containing the air pressure within the ball. For this reason, it must be able to stretch and expand as the ball is inflated, and then return to its original shape when the ball is deflated.
The Laces
The laces on an NFL football are made of a synthetic material. In the past, natural materials like leather were used, but they were phased out in favor of synthetics because they held up better under cold and wet conditions. The laces are also treated with a waterproofing agent to help keep them from absorbing moisture from the environment.
The Liner
The inside of a football is made up of four different parts; the bladder, the stitching, the lining, and the covers. The bladder is made of rubber and is what holds the air in the football. The stitching is what holds the bladder in place and is usually made of nylon. The lining is what makes the football easier to grip and is usually made of leather or synthetic materials. The covers are made of either leather or synthetic materials and are what give the football its shape.
The Cover
The cover of an NFL football is made of cowhide leather that has been tanned to make it resistant to tearing, flexibility, and durability. The cover must be at least 12.5-13 ounces in weight and 59-61 centimeters in circumference. It is stamped with the official NFL logo and the words “Official Game Ball.”
How It’s Made
NFL footballs are made from cowhide leather that is tanned to make it soft and supple. The leather is then cut into panels and sewn together. Once the football is sewn together, it is inflated and then inspected for any defects. If there are any defects, the football is deflated and the process starts over again.
The Bladder
All NFL footballs must be inflated to between 12.5 and 13.5 pounds per square inch and weigh between 14 and 15 ounces. The balls are made of an inflated rubber bladder covered by pebbled leather, which has a slightly raised surface intended to improve grip.
After the cover is stitched on, it is then tanned in a process that turns the leather dark brown or black and makes it water-resistant. The balls are then inspected by NFL officials before they are shipped to teams.
The Laces
The laces on a football are made of cowhide leather. They are cut into long, thin strips and then died black. The laces are then stitched onto the body of the ball.
The Liner
The liner is made of a molded rubber and cork composite and is the innermost layer of the football. It is important because it provides shape and support to the football. The cork midfield logo is also affixed to the liner at this point in production.
The Cover
An official NFL football is made of cowhide leather, which gives it its characteristic black color. The cover of the ball is made up of four panels that are sewn together. The panels are made of leather that has been tanned in a chromium process, which gives it its shiny, smooth surface. The laces on the ball are also made of cowhide leather.
Conclusion
After reading this article, you now know that NFL footballs are made from cowhide, which is tanned and then treated with a waterproofing agent. The laces are made from either cotton or nylon, and the bladder is made from latex.
