History of NERF
Did you know it was invented by an NFL placekicker.
The Nerf Football Has Been Inspiring Backyard Championships Since 1972
Undoubtedly, Jimmy Garoppolo and Patrick Mahomes will meet countless times in imaginary games before and after Super Bowl LIV. Many young—and even not-so-young— fans will head out to the backyard to challenge each other, pretending to be the quarterbacks of the top two teams in football.
And, just as likely, the ball they will be tossing around during that championship matchup will be made of foam. Introduced in 1972, the Nerf football has been a mainstay of gridiron challenges for kids of all ages.
You can thank Fred Cox for that. The former Minnesota Vikings field-goal kicker, who died last fall, invented the smaller, softer football that was safer to use since it didn’t strain young arms and legs. Annual sales peaked at 8 million in 1979, but the toy continues to be a popular seller today.
Read the rest of the story: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/innovation/nerf-football-has-been-inspiring-backyard-championships-1972-180974071/
Grace & Peace & Love to you all -
Matt
