How Many Footballs Are Used In An NFL Game

Football fans often assume one ball is used from kickoff to the final whistle. In the NFL, the truth is very different. Dozens of footballs are prepared, inspected, and rotated during every game to keep play fair, safe, and smooth. If you have ever seen a ball boy sprint onto the field after a play, or noticed a different ball appear for a punt, you have already seen this hidden system at work. In this beginner-friendly guide, you will learn exactly how many footballs are involved in an NFL game, why the number is so high, and how those balls are handled from the locker room to the last snap.

Quick Answer: How Many Footballs Are Used in an NFL Game?

The short answer has two parts: how many footballs are prepared and approved before kickoff, and how many actually get used on the field.

Under current NFL procedures, each team designates 24 offensive footballs for inspection before the game. Those are split into 12 primary balls and 12 backups. In addition, there are 12 special kicking balls, called K-balls, supplied by the league for punts, kickoffs, and field goals. That means a standard NFL game begins with 60 approved footballs available: 24 for each team’s offense and 12 K-balls for all kicking plays.

Do all 60 hit the field? Usually not. On a typical day with good weather, a team might cycle through a handful of its offensive balls, while the ball crew rotates several K-balls as needed. Still, when you include weather, fumbles into the stands, quick substitutions, and kicking plays, you will often see well over a dozen different footballs touch the turf during an average NFL game.

Prepared and Approved Inventory vs. Actual Use

Prepared and approved means the balls are ready to go, officially checked, and on the sideline. Actual use means the ball physically goes into a live play. Because officials and ball crews aim to give the quarterback a clean, dry, consistent ball for each snap, and because kickers must use K-balls, the number of footballs that actually see the field can vary widely from game to game.

In perfect weather, a surprisingly small subset of those 60 balls might be used. In rain, snow, or mud, that number can jump as teams constantly swap in fresh footballs to maintain grip and safety.

Why So Many Footballs?

The NFL wants fairness, consistency, and safety on every snap. Footballs are rotated to keep the playing conditions the same for both teams, no matter the weather or situation. The more controlled the football, the more predictable the throw, the catch, and the kick. This protects the integrity of the game and reduces random advantages caused by a slick ball or excessive wear.

Fairness and Consistency for Offenses

Quarterbacks and receivers are very sensitive to how the football feels. Handling, grip, and surface texture affect release, spiral, and catch security. If one offense used a dry, well-prepared ball while the other was stuck with a wet or overly slick ball, the game would tilt unfairly. Multiple approved balls let the crew supply an equally good football for each offense, snap after snap.

Weather and Field Conditions

Rain, snow, cold, and humidity dramatically change how a football behaves. Leather absorbs moisture and can get heavy or slick. In cold weather, balls can feel harder. The crew combats these conditions by cycling in fresh, dry balls as often as needed. If the weather is extreme, more balls will be used throughout the game and the backups may see action.

Special Treatment for Kicks

Kickers once had a reputation for over-conditioning balls to gain distance and control. To standardize kicking plays, the NFL uses a separate set of K-balls, managed directly by officials. These balls are not customized by teams and are opened shortly before kickoff to ensure uniformity. This prevents any team from gaining an unfair edge in the kicking game.

What Exactly Are K-Balls?

K-balls are footballs reserved only for kicking plays: kickoffs, punts, field goals, and extra points. The NFL introduced K-balls to remove team-influenced conditioning. They are shipped directly from the manufacturer to the game site, kept sealed, and handled under the watch of officials so that no team can prepare them in a way that benefits its kickers or punters.

How K-Balls Differ from Offensive Balls

Although K-balls are the same model and meet the same specifications (the Wilson Duke), their treatment is different. Offensive balls are handled by team equipment staff within league rules and can be broken in legally to a feel their quarterback prefers. K-balls are not adjusted by teams. They are generally newer and stiffer because they have not been worked in. This is why you might hear kickers say K-balls “fly different” than broken-in offensive balls. The uniformity of K-balls is intentional and required for fairness.

How K-Balls Are Managed During the Game

On every kicking play, the umpire or referee receives a K-ball from the kicking ball coordinator on the sideline. After the play, the K-ball is returned off the field and tracked. Multiple K-balls are rotated during the game to keep them in good shape and, in bad weather, as dry as possible. This tight chain of custody ensures the ball used for kicks is always a true K-ball and not an offensive ball prepared by a team.

The Pre-Game Inspection Process

Before the game, officials inspect and approve the footballs. This process ensures each ball meets league standards for size, weight, pressure, and condition. It also establishes a clear chain of custody so that the balls you see on the field are the same ones that passed inspection.

Timeline and Chain of Custody

A few hours before kickoff, each team presents its 24 offensive balls, split into 12 primary and 12 backups, to the officials. The K-balls arrive sealed from the manufacturer and are opened and inspected by the officiating crew. After inspection, all approved balls are logged, marked as needed, and placed under the control of officials until they are delivered to the ball crews on the sidelines shortly before the game begins.

Pressure and Measurements

The NFL sets strict standards for football inflation and size. Officials check pressure to confirm it is within the league’s required range, and they examine each ball’s laces, seams, and surface. The goal is simple: every football that reaches the field must be within spec and free from irregularities that could impact performance or safety.

Primary vs. Backup Designation

Teams label 12 balls as primary and 12 as backups. Primary balls are the first ones brought into play for that team’s offense. Backups are there in case of heavy rotation needs, severe weather, or if a primary ball becomes unsuitable due to damage or excessive moisture. The designation keeps the rotation organized and traceable throughout the game.

During the Game: How Balls Rotate

Once the game starts, the flow of footballs is a choreographed process. Ball crews, officials, and equipment managers work together so that every snap is taken with a ready ball and every kick uses a K-ball.

Ball Crews and Communication

Each sideline has trained ball attendants who coordinate with the nearest official. When a play ends, the official often relays the ball to the sideline crew, who rapidly provide a fresh ball for the next snap if needed. The goal is to keep the tempo high and the ball condition consistent. Good crews seem invisible, but their timing and accuracy can make the entire game run more smoothly.

After Big Plays and Scoring

Long gains into the bench area, plays that end near the stands, and scoring plays can force quick changes. If a ball ends up in the crowd or is kept for a record-setting moment, a new approved ball is immediately supplied. After touchdowns and field goals, the football used on the play is often swapped out. That is especially true for K-balls, which go back to the kicking coordinator rather than staying in the offense’s supply.

Wet, Cold, and Extreme Games

Weather drives ball rotation more than any other factor. When it rains or snows, the ball can soak up water rapidly. Crews will cycle through more footballs to keep them dry, using towels, nets, or heated storage solutions. In freezing temperatures, officials and crews keep the balls as warm and dry as possible. The worse the weather, the more frequently you will see the ball change between plays.

Special Situations That Change Ball Counts

Most games run with a predictable rhythm, but special situations can increase how many footballs get used. The approved inventory is designed to handle these cases, from overtime to international travel.

Indoor vs. Outdoor Stadiums

Indoor games are easier on the footballs. With no rain or snow, the number of balls that actually see the field tends to be lower. Still, the approved supply does not change: teams bring their 24 offensive balls and the league brings the 12 K-balls. Outdoors, especially in poor weather, backups are more likely to be used, and the rotation is more aggressive.

Overtime and Extended Games

If a game goes to overtime, ball usage increases, but the process remains the same. Primary balls are used until crews need backups, and K-balls are rotated as always. Given that teams begin with a large approved inventory, overtime rarely creates a shortage.

International Games and Logistics

In international games, the same standards apply. Balls are shipped and handled under league supervision, inspected on-site, and controlled by officials. Travel adds logistics, but not exceptions to the process. The league ensures K-balls and team offensive balls are ready and consistent, whether the game is in London, Germany, or elsewhere.

Replay Reviews and Ball Swaps

Replay reviews can lead to the ball being respotted at a previous yard line. When that happens, officials simply put the correct type of ball back into play. If the next play is a kick, it becomes a K-ball. If it is an offensive snap, a team’s offensive ball returns to the field. The crew keeps the system consistent no matter how the review changes the situation.

Myths and Misconceptions

The way the NFL manages footballs sometimes leads to confusion. Here are a few common myths cleared up in simple terms.

Myth: One Ball Plays the Whole Game

That is not how it works. Multiple footballs are approved for each team and more are reserved for kicking plays. Weather, field conditions, and game flow all cause the ball to change frequently. While a single ball can stay in for several plays, dozens of balls are available and many will see live action over four quarters.

Myth: The Home Team Supplies Balls for Both Teams

Each team provides its own offensive footballs. The league supplies the kicking balls. This split ensures that both offenses play with footballs prepared to the same standard and that kicking plays are controlled by the league’s process. It is designed to be fair to both sides, regardless of the stadium.

Myth: Teams Can Quietly Manipulate Ball Pressure During Games

The inspection and chain-of-custody procedures are designed to prevent this. Once balls are approved, officials and ball crews maintain control. Any unusual ball issues are immediately addressed by the officiating crew. In short, the modern process prioritizes integrity and transparency.

What Happens to All Those Footballs After the Game?

When the final whistle blows, not every ball goes back into a storage closet. Many footballs have a second life as collectibles, practice gear, or items for charity.

Game-Used Memorabilia and Auctions

Game-used footballs are popular with fans. Teams and the league sometimes authenticate and distribute these balls through auctions, team stores, or charitable events. If a big milestone happened, like a record-setting touchdown, that specific ball may be tagged and preserved for the player or for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Team Reuse, Practice, and Charity

Not every ball becomes memorabilia. Many are set aside for future practices or training drills if they remain in good shape. Others are donated to youth programs or community groups. Teams try to make the most of their equipment, especially when a ball is still in usable condition.

Balls Kept for Records and Milestones

When a player reaches a major career mark, the ball from that play is often requested immediately. Equipment staff work with officials to identify and preserve it. These balls end up in players’ personal collections, framed displays, or museums. The process underscores why quick ball swaps are common right after scores and big moments.

How College and High School Compare

College football and high school games handle balls differently, but they share the same goals: fairness and consistency. College teams typically bring their own offensive balls, similar to the NFL, but the exact counts and inspection details can vary by conference. High school games tend to use fewer balls, especially where budgets or staffing are smaller. In all cases, the more advanced the level of play, the more formal the inspection and rotation processes become.

The People and Logistics Behind the Scenes

A smooth ball rotation does not just happen. Several specialized roles ensure that every snap features the right football.

Equipment Managers

Team equipment managers prepare offensive footballs within league rules. They make sure the surface is legal, the feel is consistent, and the gear is ready for what the quarterback prefers. They also coordinate labeling, tracking, and delivery to officials on time. Their preparation reduces surprises on game day.

Ball Attendants on the Sidelines

Ball attendants, often called ball boys or ball girls, are trained to handle timing, positioning, and communication with officials. They keep towels ready in wet conditions and ensure quick exchanges after incomplete passes, sideline plays, or any situation that calls for a fresh ball. Their work is fast, precise, and essential to keeping the game moving.

Officials and the Kicking Ball Coordinator

Officials control the chain of custody for all balls during the game. On kicking plays, a dedicated coordinator manages K-balls to ensure the correct ball reaches the field and returns to supervision afterward. This role is key to preserving the separation between offensive balls and kicking balls.

Costs, Care, and the Football Itself

Each NFL football is a premium piece of equipment. Wilson, the official supplier, makes the NFL’s ball, known as The Duke. It is hand-crafted leather, and its feel can change with use, weather, and surface wear. That is part of why teams prepare multiple balls: to keep touch, grip, and performance consistent throughout a long game.

What Makes a Football Game-Ready

A game-ready football meets league specs for size, shape, pressure, and condition. Teams may perform legal break-in techniques to make the leather slightly more pliable and the surface more consistent for the quarterback’s grip. Anything beyond approved methods is not allowed. The result is a ball that feels dependable in the quarterback’s hand and behaves predictably in flight.

Why Condition Matters to Quarterbacks and Kickers

Small differences in surface texture affect the spin of a pass and the confidence of a receiver at the catch point. For kickers, the ball’s firmness influences how it compresses on the foot, which changes both distance and accuracy. The NFL’s strict separation of K-balls from offensive balls ensures both passing and kicking have their own fair standards.

For Fans: How to Spot Ball Changes on TV

Once you know what to look for, you will notice ball swaps all the time. After an incomplete pass into the bench area, a fresh ball usually enters. If the offense is racing to the line, watch how quickly the official grabs a ball from the sideline crew. On fourth down, as the punt unit runs on, a K-ball is handed in. After a touchdown or field goal, a quick switch sends the scoring ball off the field and a new ball comes in for the next play or kickoff. Weather amplifies these swaps, and you will see towels and extra attendants near the ball crew in rain or snow.

How Many Footballs Are Used in Practice and Warmups?

Warmups and pregame drills use balls that are not part of the approved game inventory. Teams protect the inspected supply for the actual contest. This keeps the game balls fresh and within spec. Once the officials take control of the approved balls, those footballs are reserved for live snaps and kicks only, not for casual warmup throws on the sideline.

Putting the Numbers in Perspective

It might sound excessive to have 60 approved footballs available for a game, but consider how many plays occur, how often drives switch, and how important ball condition is to fair play. Even if only a subset of those footballs see action, the inventory ensures that no matter the situation, the crew can always deliver a ball that meets NFL standards.

Typical Use in a Clean Game

In mild weather with no rain and little wind, you might see each offense use a core rotation of a few balls. K-balls will cycle in and out for each kick, but even then, a handful of K-balls can cover a game. The overall number of footballs that actually hit the field may be closer to a dozen or so, depending on pace, turnovers, and special teams volume.

Typical Use in a Bad-Weather Game

In rain or snow, expect footballs to switch far more often. Ball attendants constantly hand in dry balls, and backups become necessary. K-balls, which are monitored and not conditioned by teams, may rotate rapidly to minimize water absorption. In these conditions, many more footballs will see live snaps, and you might approach the upper range of the approved inventory.

Common Questions From New Fans

New fans often have smart questions about the ball process. Here are clear answers to the most frequent ones.

Do Teams Ever Run Out of Approved Balls?

It is highly unlikely. The NFL’s pregame approvals give each team a large cushion, and the league’s K-balls are carefully rotated. In extreme cases, officials can approve additional solutions, but the standard inventory is designed to prevent shortages.

Why Do Players Sometimes Keep the Ball After a Touchdown?

If a player scores a memorable touchdown, the team will try to secure that ball for the player. The ball may be authenticated and saved as a keepsake. This is one reason you will often see a new ball appear immediately after a score.

Are All Balls Exactly the Same?

All must meet the same specifications, but small differences happen naturally because leather is a natural material. Legal break-in by equipment staff can make offensive balls feel slightly different within the rules. K-balls are more uniform and less broken in by design, which is why kickers sometimes note a difference in feel and flight.

A Simple Recap

If you want the basics in plain language, here they are. Each team brings 24 offensive footballs to be inspected before the game, split into 12 primary and 12 backups. The league supplies 12 K-balls for all kicking plays. That is 60 approved footballs available. Not all are used in live play, but many will be, especially if the weather is bad or the game is hectic. Ball crews and officials manage the rotation so that every snap and kick uses a fair, consistent football.

Conclusion

So, how many footballs are used in an NFL game? A lot more than one. Before kickoff, there are 60 approved balls ready to go: 24 offensive balls for each team and 12 K-balls for kicking plays. Across four quarters, the number that actually reaches the field depends on weather, tempo, substitutions, and special teams. The entire system exists to protect fairness and quality. Every time you see a crisp pass or a clutch field goal, a well-managed football process is working behind the scenes. Now that you know what is happening, you can watch the next game with a sharper eye and a deeper appreciation for the details that keep the NFL running at the highest level.