CFL football vs NFL football size: Whose footballs are larger?
At first glance, everything looks bigger in the CFL. The field is wider, the end zones are longer, and you may even think that CFL football looks bigger than NFL football. But is the CFL football actually bigger?
The truth is, the CFL football and the NFL football are the same size. The CFL used to use a bigger ball, but the league switched to the same size football as the NFL in 2018.
CFL Football vs NFL Football Size
Here is how the two footballs compare:
| Measurement | CFL Football | NFL Football |
| Length | 11-11.25 inches | 11-11.25 inches |
| Long Circumference | 28-28.5 inches | 28-28.5 inches |
| Short Circumference | 21-21.25 inches | 21-21.25 inches |
| Weight | 14-15 ounces | 14-15 ounces |
| Inflation | 12.5-13.5 psi | 12.5-13.5 psi |
As you can see, when it comes to CFL football vs NFL football size, there is no difference in the official dimensions.
Why Does the CFL Football Look Different?
The biggest visual difference is the design of the CFL football.
The CFL football has two white stripes around its short axis, while the NFL’s official football does not have any stripes. The CFL also has distinctive exposed laces, whereas the NFL’s football has flatter laces that are closer to the ball.
CFL Football vs NFL Football: What’s Different?
While the balls are the same size, the style of the games is very different.
The CFL uses a wider field and has different rules for downs, pre-snap motion, and kicking. In Canada, the CFL only uses three downs, while the NFL uses four. Players on offence can move prior to the ball being snapped, while the NFL would call it a false start penalty. The CFL also allows twelve players on each side, while the NFL only allows 11.
Until this year, the CFL allowed missed field goals and punts through the end zone to still earn a point for the kicking team. While the “rogue” rule is still in effect, the CFL has eliminated some of the extra points earned from kicking errors.
What Football is Used by the CFL?
The official CFL football is the Wilson Official Game Football. The official football for the NFL is nicknamed “the Duke” and is also made by Wilson Sporting Goods. One of the main differences between the two balls is the stripes on the CFL ball.
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| Feature image courtesy THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christopher Katsarov. |
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