Why is a football called the pigskin?
Because calling it a pig’s bladder, which is what it actually is (or was), is a bit too real even for football players. In the days before vulcanized rubber, animal bladders were easily obtained, more or less round, readily sealed and inflated, and reasonably durable–just the thing if you wanted to play the medieval equivalent of soccer. In later years the bladder might be covered with leather (not necessarily pigskin) for added protection.
The main drawback of a pig’s bladder was that inflating it by way of the obvious nozzle was too grotty for words. Still, it was an improvement over what the English traditionally regard as the original football, namely the noggin of an unsuccessful Danish invader. If you were offended by the aesthetics of this you could always stuff a leather casing with hay or cork shavings or the like, but such balls lacked zip. [Read all about it on The Straight Dope]
Football and America
So sure, why not a pig’s bladder? A product of the American Heartland. Emergent from the soil; a product of the toil of its citizens. The pig must be cared for and nurtured to deliver its bounty amongst the blessed. Therein lies a symbol of the growth of a new world power. A symbol of the growth and prosperity. And it’s here where we discover the nurturing of a culture and maturing of a nation, where one very unique sport is not just a game.
Football embodies the very soul of the United States of America.
It’s about legends and myths and something very much bigger than simply the name “football” can ever conjure up. It inspires young & old alike. It’s the living, breathing embodiment of the land of the free and home of the brave. See it. Smell it. Hear it. Feel it. Taste it. When summer’s heat gives way to autumn’s glow, instead of fading away, life is uplifted once again; and all the senses experience renewal once again – all 5, 6 or 10 senses. It doesn’t matter. Football fills everything.
It’s Time for Some Football!
Because if you’re not on Lombardi Time, then Time has passed you by! You’re late – jump on board and get ready for some football!
(Of course, if you are on Lombardi Time, you’re 15 minutes early anyway!)
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