Wilson has been the official game ball of the NFL since 1941. The Duke", named in honor of football legend Wellington "Duke" Mara, is the official game ball of the NFL. Hand crafted in Ada, Ohio, the Duke has an exclusive pattern to the NFL using hand picked Wilson Leather and double laces for added texture and control. Every NFL Game Ball sold in stores is inspected by hand and must pass the same specifications as those used on the field every fall.