Highlights from Footballs

Every Presidential Library & Museum contains at least one collection of artifacts unique to the experiences of that president. The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library & Museum preserves a fascinating assortment of footballs. One of the most athletic presidents, Ford excelled in swimming, basketball, baseball, tennis, golf, and downhill skiing, and of course, football. Ford's abilities on the gridiron landed him city and state honors in high school, along with MVP status in college, where he played center for the University of Michigan. NFL teams courted him upon graduation from the University of Michigan, but he instead chose to attend law school. However, Ford’s fondness for football never abated. Some of the footballs in the Museum’s collection reflect Ford’s playing days, others his time as a coach. Some were sent by admirers, while others were left as memorials upon his passing. All tell a unique story of our only U.S. president who preferred to hear the University of Michigan fight song “The Victors” over “Hail to the Chief.”