US Sports Clearance

American football: official, junior or mini

The American football is a pointed oval, sleeker than a rugby ball, with raised laces that provide a grip for fingers when throwing a spiral pass. The official size, used by adults and American high school players, is thrown one-handed over the shoulder; junior balls, which are smaller, are suited for children's and young people's hands, and the mini-ball is used for play and decoration. The Nike Playground balls, with their durable cover, are suitable for outdoor play on both asphalt and grass; their Deflated versions come deflated and can be inflated with a needle and pump. The Nike Vapor is more aimed at club play.

End of range US sports

The US sports clearance is organised by sport:

• US Football, balls, gloves and clothing.
• Baseball.
• Hockey.

Receiver gloves and mouthguards: playing contact sports

Receiver gloves have a palm covered with a very sticky rubber, which helps catch and secure the ball, even when thrown hard or in wet weather. Thin and stretchy, they maintain finger sensitivity and close at the wrist; the children's models in the colours of the Kansas City Chiefs have the same construction. The mouthguard Nike Alpha, essential in this contact sport, molds to the shape of the teeth and is often fixed to the helmet's faceguard to avoid losing it. The helmet and shoulder pads, mandatory in competition, complete the gear; clubs often lend them to beginners during their first year of practice.

Other sports on clearance

The clearance also applies to other sports: football, running, lifestyle, bikes, motorcycle, handball, basketball, equestrian, camping, on the clearance page.

Packers, Chiefs, Saints, Raiders: NFL franchises

The NFL, founded in 1920, consists of franchises whose colours are worn by fans far beyond the United States. The Green Bay Packers, created in 1919, are the only franchise owned by its fans, who are shareholders without dividends, in the smallest city in the league; their jersey for Reggie White honors the defender nicknamed the minister of defense, who won the Super Bowl with them. The Kansas City Chiefs play in red and gold, the New Orleans Saints wear Louisiana's fleur-de-lis, and the Raiders, who have moved through Oakland and Los Angeles before settling in Las Vegas, have kept their black and silver pirate theme. Fleece sweatshirts, loose or cotton t-shirts, and snapback caps showcase these logos.

Frequently asked questions

How to throw an American football in a spiral?

Place two or three fingers on the laces, with the index finger near the back tip, keeping a gap between the palm and the ball. Throw over the shoulder while rolling the ball along the index finger at the point of release: the rotation stabilizes the trajectory.

What are the basic rules of American football?

The attacking team has four attempts to advance ten yards; if they succeed, they get four new attempts. A touchdown, whether carried or caught in the end zone, is worth six points, and the conversion kick adds one more point.

What is flag football?

It is a non-tackle version of American football: the ball carrier is stopped by pulling off one of the flags attached to their belt. Played five against five, without helmets or shoulder pads, it has been included in the programme for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

How to choose the size of an NFL sweatshirt?

American cuts often fit wider than in Europe, especially loose fit models. If you are between sizes, choose the smaller size for a fitted sweatshirt, or your usual size for a more relaxed fit, closer to the style of the stands.

When is the Super Bowl played?

The NFL final is held in February, at the end of the regular season and playoff matches, in a stadium designated several years in advance. The halftime show and the commercials make it one of the most-watched programs in the United States.