In each NFL game in the regular season and up to the Super Bowl, each team is supplied 108 balls per week. 54 of these balls are practice footballs and 54 are game footballs (Wilson.com). While this number seems incredibly high it makes more sense when broken down. Of the 54 balls 12 are designated kicker balls. While 54 are designated “game balls” only 24-36 are actually selected for use in games including kicking balls (Wilson.com).
After the week of play if the ball is lightly used or in good condition it is kept by the team and used as a practice ball. If the ball has significant wear from either the game or week of practice than it is usually either disposed of, donated, or auctioned off.
The Super Bowl is the marquee sporting event of the USA. For this event it is a little different. 120 balls are used for the Super Bowl Instead of 54 (Wilson.com). This is because these balls sell for incredibly high value after the game.
This disposal process keeps the commodity running because there is constantly a need for more footballs for the NFL. Because of the very quick use and disposal rate of the NFL, the supply chain is kept in a high demand which allows Wilson to make a large profit and keep the 120 employees well paid. While it seems like a waste of materials to have such a short turn around of use and disposal, it is this turn around that keeps the business flowing. In addition to this the balls do not go to total waste.
Photo: Press Association
Hi, am looking to inquire on who you donate your old practice balls to?
My husband and I make custom made hats with reused football leathers for local high school and are in need of more footballs! Is that something you still do?
Thanks so much
My daughter owns a restaurant called k i n Southern Table and Bar in Providence Rhode Island we are looking to show a NFL football at our event with Ty Law in February of 2024 and other NFL players. How can I obtain one or two of your “Disposal” footballs for our event to display.
I would really just love to have a real football. The feel of it must be so different than the football. They sell in like big five. Anyway, thanks for listening.
If you prep the ones that you buy in stores and as long as its the authentic duke version there wont be much if a difference at all to be honest esp the average person would never notice unless you handle a football day in and out and for hours a day the difference in them are negligible….the key difference between a team issued ball and the one you buy off the shelf is the game prep process that normally includes conditioning a wax bar mudding it and brushing it these are the key parts of preparing a ball for game use some might add other things to the process like wetting the ball or using shaving cream etc but from what ive read the latter dosent really help and actually makes the ball deteriorate faster most creams contain alcohol so that dries the leather out faster and wetting it too much will water log it and weaken the leather ….also certain tolerance levels are used for team issued balls they are obviously higher but its all preference and if in you opinion its worth spending double or more on a ball that is team issued that is already prepped so if you buy a ball a authentic duke version from wilson and get the products to prep it yourself u will have yourself a ball thats about 90% the same as ones they would be using in a game minus a microchip to track info and slightly less strict tolerances with stitching lace patterns etc…. So if its worth paying a premium to pay for a team issued ball and in some cases still having to buy the products to prep that one also and if its not prepped ur paying that much more for essentially a used football than do it …. But if u want to save some cash u can buy the one off the shelf or direct from wilson get the prep products and use what u think would work best prep that ball and have the same thing they use on sundays minus things a average person would never notice then id go that route i personally have done both and yeah there is no noticeable difference between the 2 after i prepped the “store” bought version except i used products i thought would work best for leather prep and controled the amount of wax mud etc i used and well i ended up liking the one i did a bit better so like the saying goes if u want a job done right most the time do it yourself
Looking for a Detroit Lions NFL Authentic game ball for sale
Really enjoyed this piece on how Wilson footballs are reused and repurposed—it’s great to see sustainability in action! At https://tourguru.pk, we’re all about responsible tourism, exploring Pakistan’s stunning landscapes while keeping it eco-friendly. It’s always inspiring to see industries making an effort to give back!
good info
I want free NFL footballs to give to kids for free in Baja California to be able to play pick up games as an option instead of soccer
Hello,
I am a Team Football mom looking for used footballs. Would you be able to help me with finding about 25? Our season will start soon and I would love to decorate our Black & Gold Banquet with footballs.