The J5-V Spalding was the official ball of the American Football League. The AFL debuted in 1960 with an emphasis on a free-flowing offense, creative plays, colorful uniforms and names on the backs of players' jerseys. Another of those ways was with a J5-V Spalding. This football was 1/4 inch thinner and longer than the NFL's Wilson football, "The Duke." Some football experts said the differences made the AFL's ball easier to throw and catch, which in turn made for higher scores in games. Legendary broadcaster Curt Gowdy said "it was basketball on stripes." Quarterbacks like Joe Namath, George Blanda and Len Dawson reveled in this wide-open style of offense, while future stars like Terry Bradshaw and Joe Montana became fans of the AFL growing up.