1981.138.5; Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library & Museum
1974 Washington Redskins Autographed Football
Artifact ID1981.138.5
Object Type
Football
Gifter
George H. Allen
Maker
Wilson
(founded 1914)
Date
09/30/1974
Medium
leather, paint, ink, thread, rubber
DimensionsOverall Diam 11 1/4 in (28.6 cm )
Physical DescriptionA brown football displays white stripes, black stitches, white laces, and team members' autographs in black ink.Historical NoteCoach George Allen of the Washington Redskins football team presented this game ball to First Lady Betty Ford after a Monday night Football game in September 1974. At the time, she was in the hospital recovering from breast cancer surgery. She suprised the hospital staff and President Ford when she threw the football to her husband. The team changed its name to the Washington Commanders in 2020 in recognition that "redskins" was offensive to many Indigenous people.Additional Details
Custodial History NoteThe general public gifted the item to First Lady Betty Ford during the Ford Administration. It was presented to her, and she donated it to the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum in 1981.
Credit LineGift of First Lady Betty Ford
National Archives Catalog CollectionGerald R. Ford Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 620931)
National Archives Catalog SeriesArtifacts Relating to the Family of Gerald and Betty Ford (74627970)
Use Restriction Status
Unrestricted
Use Restriction NoteReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.
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