Item #: F1100
Category: Collectibles -> Other Collectibles -> Footballs
Your Price: $99.95

This is the Authentic "The DUKE" NFL® Game Ball from Wilson®. Wilson Sporting Goods Company has been the official supplier of NFL Game Balls since 1941 when George Halas brought Wilson Sporting Goods and the NFL together. Made in the USA since 1955 by skilled craftsmen. Wilson Game Footballs are used by every major football league.Designed for the serious competitor/professional!Stamped with "THE DUKE."Commissioner Roger Goodell signature stamp(Goodell is the commissioner since 2006)NFL ShieldGenuine hand sewn leather Traditional leather feel provides superior playability for the elite competitorExclusive Wilson® NFL® leather with Tanned in Tack® for professional grip3-ply VPU bladder for maximum durability and air retentionDouble lacedProfessional patternOfficial size and weightHand-crafted in the U.S.A.Wilson Sporting Goods and the NFL have announced the return of "The Duke", the first re-branding of the league's official football since 1969. "The Duke" is in honor of football legend Wellington "Duke" Mara. Mara, who passed away in October, 2005 at the age of 89, dedicated 81 years to the New York Giants as an administrator, owner and unwavering booster.In 1940, heeding the advice of influential team owners Tim Mara of the New York Giants and George Halas of the Chicago Bears, the NFL selected Wilson as the league's official football supplier. The following year, Wilson introduced a redesigned football and named it "The Duke" in honor of Mara's son, Wellington. The Duke stayed in play for nearly three decades until the NFL and AFL merged in 1969.