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.
- Official football of the National Football League
- Commissioner Roger Goodell signature stamp
- Top quality leather cover
- Patented 3-ply VPU bladder
- Double-lacing for reinforcement
- Enhanced gripability
- Official size and weight
- Wilson Authentic Game Equipment logo
For quantity discount pricing, call Anaconda Sports Memorabilia Sales at 1-888-914-6319.
