Vintage Game Used Football Question

[RKO18]

For those more familiar with collecting older game used footballs, do you know, in general, how many footballs were used per-game?

These days, each offense has their own ball to use.

In the 1970's, would a "game ball" have been used by both two teams' offensive units?

[sox83cubs84]

For those more familiar with collecting older game used footballs, do you know, in general, how many footballs were used per-game?

These days, each offense has their own ball to use.

In the 1970's, would a "game ball" have been used by both two teams' offensive units?

I can't give excat numbers, but back in the 1960s and some of tthe 70's, there were no end zone nets to keep FGs and PATs out of the end zone stands. Heck, In Chicago in the 1960s. one of the end zones was by the left field bleachers. PATs and FGs often were kicked onto Waveland Avenue, and there was a group of Ballhawks even back then who tried to catch and retrieve them. I also know via gretting one that, at least in Chicago, USFL games had no end zone nets for scoring kicks, neither.

Dave Miedema

[commando]

I can't give excat numbers, but back in the 1960s and some of tthe 70's, there were no end zone nets to keep FGs and PATs out of the end zone stands. Heck, In Chicago in the 1960s. one of the end zones was by the left field bleachers. PATs and FGs often were kicked onto Waveland Avenue, and there was a group of Ballhawks even back then who tried to catch and retrieve them. I also know via gretting one that, at least in Chicago, USFL games had no end zone nets for scoring kicks, neither.

Dave Miedema

Very true. I also know that several stadiums would send ushers or security to try and get the footballs back from the crowd! It varied depending on the stadium/team.

[RKO18]

Thanks for the feedback.

This is the football I'm curious about:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/LA-RAMS-Division-Playoff-Game-Used-Football-Rams-34-Vikings-10-/291251149356?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item43cfebda2c

It was used during the Rams/Vikings divisional playoff game in 1978.

It's a Rams awarded game ball, but do you feel that the Vikings offense used this ball as well?

[RKO18]

Bump for this old thread.

Still curious, does anyone know if this "game ball" from the Rams would have been used by the Vikings on offense?

[RaiderNationPDX]

Presuming the ball was used in the game and not just for presentation, then it is likely (though not guaranteed) that it was used for both offenses' respective possessions. Teams using their own balls started as far as I know in the mid-2000's after too many teams complained of the home team doctoring balls.

[RaiderNationPDX]

I will say though, that ball has the words "game ball" in quotes, with no specific player achievement other than "big game". Speaking personally, I wouldn't count on the ball actually having come straight off the field from that game...not saying it isn't a legit team presentation ball, but for me, I'd need more evidence that it was used in that game.

[RMoody]

I can only give you examples from my collection.

Generally any ball with a specific event is usually tied to that event, I was told per Cook this was THE ball,
http://i58.tinypic.com/fmuzvd.jpg

In any game, a team can provide the entire team a "Gameball", so at times and as is the case with several Jamal Lewis' balls I have they never saw a brush, let alone the field.

http://i58.tinypic.com/wuj9qc.jpg

I've heard some cheaper teams, or when limited players get a ball this is not the case. My oldest (1984) was clearly a gamer.

http://i60.tinypic.com/2myniq8.jpg


No expert here, but I would say that ball is not used. Any actual game ball was more than likely reserved for elite players. They also would not have had that many to go around.

[RMoody]

One final point on this, bought this a while ago and found it spring cleaning

http://i57.tinypic.com/alqdzo.jpg

Safe to assume if Little would get one, every team member would have. He never registered a regular season carry in his two years in the league. All players though contribue to a team, so it's justifiable that each player be awarded a ball.

http://www.nfl.com/player/rafaellittle/933/gamelogs?season=2008

They prolly make one the best looking display pieces but I wouldn't buy one expected it to be game used.

[Sigrosruler]

Just bought this Toi Cook football on eBay. 99% sure it’s legit. The ball has 41 written in laces and the date code is from September 2000 which is when ball is used.
Just curious as to what cook told you about our ball. Also if anybody knows why he sold his collection.
Thanks for any info. https://www.ebay.com/itm/Joe-Montana-San-Francisco-49ers-Game-Used-Presentation-Football-9-10-90-Saints/323644212107?hash=item4b5ab2c38b:g:WsgAAOSwy4hUR7y w#vi__app-cvip-panel

[Sigrosruler]

So I was able to get a hold of Toi Cook through Facebook and he confirmed the ball is legit. He didn’t say if it was the actual ball but based on the usage, made date the number written on the ball and previous reports that these were the actual balls used for interception. Looks like I’m a proud owner of a joe Montana thrown ball. Don’t think there is to many out there.

[coyot51]

Just bought this Toi Cook football on eBay. 99% sure it’s legit. The ball has 41 written in laces and the date code is from September 2000 which is when ball is used.
Just curious as to what cook told you about our ball. Also if anybody knows why he sold his collection.
Thanks for any info. https://www.ebay.com/itm/Joe-Montana-San-Francisco-49ers-Game-Used-Presentation-Football-9-10-90-Saints/323644212107?hash=item4b5ab2c38b:g:WsgAAOSwy4hUR7y w#vi__app-cvip-panel

Hi, there! Please, may you share your knowledge about Wilson football date codes?
I'm trying to guess when were made a few pigskins of mine and Wilson consumer service is not helping. I only know it works by decades. Do you have any chart? Google didnt help me so far... :/
Thanks a lot!

[Sigrosruler]

http://gameuseduniverse.com/showthread.php/43376-Question-about-footballs?highlight=Football+date+codes
There is a better picture of breakdown on this site I’ll see if I can find again and post. This should help

[Dali.coll]

Has anyone ever seen game used 2020 NFL Duke Footballs without the teams name stamped on them? These have the Red/ White/ Blue NFL shield (I believe the league started using these in 2020?). I have seen the kickers balls without team names or the “K” as the previously had. Any info on this year/ shield would be great.
Thanks!
dali.coll