Throw Me The Duke!

NFL clubs unanimously endorsed a recommendation to return the name of the official game ball to "The Duke" in honor of the late New York Giants owner Wellington Mara, one of the most beloved and respected figures in professional sports history. Mara died last October.

Mara, who spent 81 years with the New York Giants and made numerous contributions to the NFL, was named Wellington by his father after the Duke of Wellington. He was given the nickname “The Duke” as a youngster by Giants players.

The NFL game ball was known as "The Duke" from 1941-69.