Why Are There No Stripes On An NFL Football

The NFL football is an oddly designed ball for any number of reasons. It has just 13 alternating stripes on the ball, yet at least 18 panels on the ball. Have you ever wondered why there are no stripes on an NFL football? In this article, we explore the answer to that question and many others about the American football's iconic design.

What Is an NFL Football?

An NFL football is a ball used in the sport of American football. It is a prolate spheroid with pointy ends and a long, narrow stitches running down its length. The football is made of two pieces of leather stitched together and filled with air. It has a size and shape that makes it easy to grip and throw, and it is this shape that also gives it its distinctive aerodynamic properties. When thrown, an NFL football will spin end over end, making it easier to control its flight.

Why Are There No Stripes On An NFL Football?

The NFL began using Wilson footballs in 1941, and the balls have always been brown with white laces. The reason for this is that brown leather is easier to grip than white leather, and the laces help players get a good grip on the ball. White stripes would make it more difficult for players to grip the ball, so they were never used.

Some people think that the NFL should add stripes to footballs to make them easier to see, but there are no plans to do so. The league is happy with the way the balls look and perform, and they aren't going to change anything anytime soon.

Protection From the Weather

One of the main reasons that there are no stripes on an NFL football is because they can provide protection from the weather. When the ball is painted with stripes, it can help to camouflage it against the background of the playing field. This can make it difficult for the players to see the ball, which can lead to turnovers and missed opportunities.

Making the Ball Easier To Catch

Another reason there are no stripes on an NFL football is because it makes the ball easier to catch. When a receiver is running down the field, they can easily see the white of the ball against the dark background of the field. If there were stripes on the ball, it would be more difficult for the receiver to pick up the ball against the background.

So, while stripes may look nice, they actually serve no purpose on an NFL football. The plain white surface of the ball is much more functional than a striped design would be.

Conclusion

So, there you have it — the reasons why NFL footballs don't have stripes. While it may seem like a small detail, it's actually quite fascinating to think about how much goes into making such a simple object. The next time you watch a game, take a closer look at the football and see if you can spot any of these details yourself.