The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

Feel Good Friday: Designer Footballs for Charity

By TJ Carter February 5, 2016

designer football — Image used with permission by copyright holder

The results are in: Football is America’s favorite sport, and has been for some time. However, many football fans — myself included — have a complicated relationship with the sport. Though it’s thrilling to watch a running back spin and juke his way to the end zone, or a serendipitous pick-six in the fourth quarter, it’s difficult to deny the violent nature of the game and the toll it takes on some players.

Negative press — most notably the football-related brain damage explored in the recent film Concussion — has scarred the NFL’s reputation. Fortunately, the beloved football league fully understands its obligation to its players and fans, and is working toward creating a safer game that millions of us can enjoy guilt-free.

Related: Super Bowl Party Recipes

In honor of the momentous Super Bowl 50, set to kick off in the Bay Area this Sunday, the NFL Foundation and the Council of Fashion Designers of America have collaborated on a collection of 50 unique designer footballs. These footballs are up for auction until February 14th, and will be on display in San Francisco until the day of the big game. The starting bid for each meticulously adorned football is $500, and all proceeds will go to the NFL Foundation.

rebecca — Created by Rebecca Minkoff Image used with permission by copyright holder

The NFL Foundation wears many hats (or helmets, rather), and is squarely focused on supporting youth athletes and the communities in which they live. They do this by improving safety, funding parks and recreation spaces, and increasing opportunities for young players. The NFL Foundation also goes a long way toward promoting exercise for children, which is an all-important pillar in the fight against childhood obesity.

While you’re watching the Panthers and Broncos duke it out this weekend, you might consider bidding on an exquisite designer football to help ensure a safer future for the game we love so well. Also, a football with oxidized silver chains and Swarovski crystals would look pretty awesome on your mantle.

Take a look at the NFL-CFDA auction for yourself, and check out this page to learn the story of this unique collaboration.

global citizen — Created by Raan & Shea Parton Image used with permission by copyright holder

(Featured football designed by Rachel Zoe)

Editors' Recommendations

College Football Playoffs — Keys to Friday’s Games on ESPN

Former Digital Trends Contributor

TJ Carter wears many hats, both figuratively and literally. He graduated from the University of Oregon in 2011 with a degree…

Culture

The 10 best Dominican cigars I’ve tried and tested in 2024

Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic.

Every seasoned cigar lover has a preference for where their cigars come from. Cuban and Cuban cigars are the more obvious choices, but there is also Nicaraguan tobacco, Central African, Indonesian, Mexican, Ecuadorian, and Dominican. Some tobacco is even grown in the United States. Each region has a distinct flavor profile that adds a little something extra to the tobacco grown locally, as well as the cigars made there. The Dominican Republic is prized by many connoisseurs because of exactly this -- a rich, unique profile that enhances Dominican-grown cigars. That's in no small part due to the fertile soil and thriving climate of the region, which is ideal for tobacco growth and cultivation. If you've never tried a Dominican cigar, you're in for a real treat, there are some fantastic options out there.
The best Dominican cigars I've tried

Out of all the cigar guides I've put together so far, this one was one of the more interesting experiences for me. I had a great time trying out Dominican cigars, and I've definitely come away with an appreciation for blends made in the region. I'd also like to point out that Corey Suarez helped recommend some of these. If you haven't tried the JR Cigars or Cigars.com concierge service yet, you really should. Here's a little more about all of the best Dominican cigars I've tried:
Ashton Symmetry

Culture

The 12 best Connecticut cigars I’ve tried and tested in 2024

Best Connecticut cigars up close and personal

Connecticut cigars are the clear winner for smoking on a hot summer day, in the morning with some coffee, or when you just don't want a swift kick in the teeth (of pepper). There's no shortage of options, either. Connecticut shade wrappers are one of the most prevalent in the world of cigars, and it's certainly the most common natural shade. Maduro is also popular, but the two wrapper types couldn't be any more different. Connecticut wrappers, and by proxy Connecticut cigars, are typically mild to medium in strength and brimming with creamy, smooth flavors. They're composed of tobacco leaves grown in the Connecticut River Valley in the United States -- which is where the name Connecticut comes from. Consistent and flavorful, some of the best beginner-friendly cigars are Connecticut-wrapped, but you should never sell them short. A Connecticut shade cigar can be just as refined, elegant, and premium as any other. If you know where to look, you may even find some of your favorite blends in the category across a wide range of brands and cigar makers.

I'm about to take you on a magical, doughy, and delicious trek through the broad range of Connecticut cigars. In short, here are the best Connecticut cigars tried and tested by a genuine enthusiast of the craft: yours truly.
The best Connecticut cigars I've tried and tested
While the Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper is considered a Connecticut shade, I did my best to steer clear of recommending them for this list. They're better classified as a Maduro shade or darker cigar. That doesn't mean you should avoid them, quite the contrary. But for this list, I wanted to stick to smooth, relaxing smokes that are strong on flavor but not quite so strong on pepper and spice. I also tried not to choose a lot of repeats. If you see your favorite cigar missing, that might be because it was recommended on another list or it just didn't make the cut. If you have any recommendations of your own, I'm always available through social media or email. Without further ado, let's get this thing started.
Aganorsa Leaf Connecticut

Culture

This is when the Hulu, ESPN+, Disney+ password sharing crackdown starts

The Disney Plus sign-up menu is displayed

The era of password sharing is slowly but surely coming to an end. Netflix has already begun cracking down on people sharing passwords across households, and now, other streaming services are following suit. Before 2024 is over, Disney Plus password sharing will be a thing of the past.

Disney's streaming services are now preparing to crack down on those who are sharing passwords, and the consequences for doing so could be severe. Users across Hulu, Disney Plus, and ESPN Plus will be warned about password sharing, and if they don't Disney CEO Bob Iger even laid out a timeline for when the crackdown will start, although he didn't get into too many specifics.
Bob Iger says Disney will start its password-sharing crackdown over the summer