US Football: American football on clearance

Wilson, the NFL ball since 1941

Wilson has been providing the official NFL ball since 1941. Named The Duke in 1955, in tribute to Wellington Mara, owner of the New York Giants, it is handmade in the factory in Ada, Ohio, from genuine leather for a secure grip. Licensed balls in franchise colours, like that of the Washington Commanders, replicate its shape for playing in the park or decorating a fan's room. The mini-ball, smaller and made from synthetic material, allows children to practice the spiral pass, that move that makes the ball spin on its axis to fly straight and far.

Other clearance items

The US sports clearance also includes:

• Baseball, gloves, bats, and caps.
• Hockey.

All clearance items are gathered on the US sports page.

Line cleats or speed cleats

In American football, the choice of cleats depends on the position. Line players, who push and block on every play, wear wider and more stable models like the adidas Adizero Chaos Lineman, which has a higher shaft and wider sole to absorb pushes. Receivers, running backs, and defensive backs prefer lightweight and traction-enhancing options for acceleration, like the adidas Adizero Impact, whose studs are moulded into the sole. These moulded soles are suitable for both natural grass and synthetic fields, without screw-on or changeable studs depending on the weather.

Packers, Chiefs, Raiders, Saints: four stories

The Green Bay Packers, founded in 1919, are the only NFL franchise owned by its fans, as a non-profit organisation: the smallest city in the league has made it a symbol. The jersey of Reggie White, nicknamed the Minister of Defense, reminds us of the defender who led Green Bay to victory in Super Bowl XXXI. The adidas jersey in the colours of Texas Tech recalls Patrick Mahomes' college years before he became the quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs. The Raiders, based in Las Vegas since 2020, maintain the black and silver colour scheme, and the New Orleans Saints have their city's fleur-de-lis.

Protectors and gloves: player equipment

The mouthguard is part of the equipment required for matches, along with the helmet and shoulder pads: it protects the teeth and absorbs shocks transmitted to the jaw during tackles. The receiver gloves, with palms coated in a gripping material, help catch the ball even when thrown hard or in the rain; those in the colours of the Kansas City Chiefs are available in children's sizes, made from stretchy material that fits the hand. Line players tend to choose padded gloves, which protect the fingers and the back of the hand from repeated impacts during blocking.

Frequently asked questions

What size American football corresponds to age?

The official ball is used from around the age of fourteen and in adult play. Before that, players use youth, junior, or pee-wee balls, which get smaller and can be held by a child's hand to throw in a spiral.

Why are some balls delivered deflated?

A deflated ball takes up less space for shipping. It is inflated with a pump and a moistened needle to the pressure indicated near the valve, to regain its intended shape and hold.

Game jersey or franchise t-shirt: which to choose?

The jersey features the number and name of a player, with a loose cut designed to fit over protective gear. The t-shirt and sweatshirt, simpler, display the franchise logo and can be worn daily as well as in front of a match.

How many players are there in an American football team?

Each team has eleven players on the field. With unlimited substitutions, the squad is divided into specialised units: offence, defence, and special teams, who come into play during kicks.

How to maintain American football cleats?

After the match, remove dirt from the sole with a brush, then wipe the shaft with warm water. Let them air dry, stuffed with newspaper, without any source of heat that would loosen the sole.