I’m sure you’ve seen it before, a player scoring a touchdown, high fiving the fans and running off the field with the ball clutched tightly in his hands. Chances are that you’ve wondered to yourself, do NFL players pay for the balls they give away?
The truth is, it depends. Some teams do provide balls for their players to give away, while other teams will require the players to pay for their own balls, but there is no definitive answer. What we do know is that teams will generally provide the balls for big special events such as the Super Bowl or playoffs.
In terms of giving away balls during a game, it depends on the team, and likely, the player’s wishes. Some teams may provide funds for their players to buy their own balls to distribute, while others may provide balls for their stars in order to make sure they make it to the end zone. And, of course, some players might even opt to buy their own balls for sentimental purposes.
In terms of kicker balls or balls given away in the offseason, teams usually do not provide them, meaning that the players are on their own to purchase the balls they would like to give away. But, don’t worry, as players are usually quite well paid and a few bucks here and there for a special ball won’t break the bank.
When it comes to autographed balls, teams may provide several to the player to sign and give away so as to ensure people get them. However, if a request is made for a particularly special ball, some players may decide to buy them – it is then up to the player himself to decide if he wants to spend the money for a special ball or not.
So, as you can see, the answer is not a simple one. Players may or may not pay for a ball – it is largely dependent on the situation, the team and the player himself. The best answer is – it all depends.
Now, we have discussed balls given away during the game and autographed balls, but why do players give away balls in the first place? Well, mainly to thank the fans for their support and let them know that they appreciate them. It’s a great way to show your admiration for the crowd, and it’s usually a pretty big deal for the lucky fan who gets the ball.
Of course, there is also the ever-present marketing side of giving away balls. Players want to be liked, and one way to do that is to give away merchandise. It gives them a chance to interact with the fans, and the fans, in turn, get a wonderful memento from their favorite team or player. It’s a win-win in many ways.
Overall, it is up to the team and player in question to decide if they want to pay for balls they give away or not. While the NFL may provide funds for certain occasions and for marketing purposes, it is ultimately up to the player if he wants to pay for a special ball to give away. What do you think? Is it worth it?