Wilson NFL Super Grip Football Review: Backyard Ready?
An official size composite football from the company that makes the NFL game ball. Made for backyards, parks and the game of catch after a holiday dinner.
Yes, for a brother who still throws a ball around at family gatherings. The soft composite cover is easy to grip in cold weather [1]. Skip it if he already owns a good ball that holds air.
By Andrew Pataleta, GiftX founder · Updated October 29, 2026 · Sources
Specs at a glance
| Size | Official, ages 14 and up [1] |
| Cover | Soft composite [1] |
| Laces | NFL style [1] |
| Bladder | Pressure Lock [1] |
| Color | Brown [1] |
| Weight | About 454 g [1] |
| Maker | Wilson [1] |
Pros and cons
- Composite, not leather
- Too big for small kids in official size [1]
- Arrives deflated or soft at times, so keep a pump
Catch after Christmas dinner
Plenty of families end up in the yard after the big meal, throwing a ball around in the cold. A cheap rubber football turns slick and hard in winter; a composite one stays easier to hold.
It is a simple gift that gets used the same day. It also works for a brother who plays flag football with friends, or one who coaches a kid's team.
It also fits a wide age range. A teen, a college brother and a dad of three can all use the same official size ball, which makes it an easy pick when you are unsure.
Soft cover and NFL laces
The listing describes a soft composite material balanced between softness and toughness for better handling [1]. The laces are classic NFL style, and a Pressure Lock bladder keeps the ball inflated longer [1].
This is the official size, which the listing marks for high school and college ages, fourteen and up [1]. A junior size is sold for kids aged nine to twelve [1].
Wilson notes it is the official football of the NFL, a role it has held for a long time [1].
Composite, not game leather
It is not the leather game ball. A brother who plays serious tackle football or collects memorabilia wants the real leather Duke, which costs several times more.
For a younger brother, check the size. An official ball is big for small hands [1], so a kid under fourteen is usually better off with the junior version.
Composite also means it needs no conditioning or special care. It can live in the trunk of a car for spontaneous games without drying out.
Pairing it with a pump
Wrap it with a small ball pump and needle, so it is ready the moment the paper comes off. That turns a ball into an afternoon outside.
From this guide, it pairs with the Carhartt beanie for cold games, or with the Spikeball set for a brother who lives at the park.
For a brother who already has a good ball, skip it. One composite football lasts many seasons with basic care.
FAQ
What size football should I buy for my brother?
The official size suits high school, college and adult players, according to the listing, which marks it for ages fourteen and up [1]. For a brother aged nine to twelve, the junior size fits better. The listing sells both sizes, so check the size selector before ordering [1]
Is the Wilson Super Grip a real leather football?
No. It has a soft composite cover designed to balance softness and toughness [1]. That makes it a better choice for backyard and street games, since composite handles wet grass and pavement without the care leather needs. Serious players buy leather for games [1]
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Sources and how we checked
- Amazon.com listing for the Wilson NFL Super Grip Composite Football
Source check: Amazon prices and contents above were checked on October 29, 2026. We did not test these products hands-on. Picks are based on manufacturer specs, Amazon listings and the reasons people actually give these gifts.
As an Amazon Associate, GiftX earns from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability change, so check Amazon for the current price.