NFL Canada unveils Indigenous inspired game ball during lead up to Super Bowl LIX
February 8, 2025
NIPISSING FIRST NATION – When Nipissing First Nation artist Quentin Commanda was asked by NFL Canada to design an official NFL game ball, he knew exactly how he would start his design.
“In Anishinaabe teachings the strawberry, O’Demin, represents heart, and to me heart is a big part of the sport of football,” said Commanda, whose artist name is Que Rock. “I think of this design as an X-ray photo of spirit, with layers of meaning, but the heart berry is at its core.”
The ball, commissioned by NFL Canada and unveiled during the leadup to Super Bowl LIX, is part of a broader partnership with Football Canada to provide access to the sport in First Nations.
“This is an incredible initiative, and we’re thrilled to partner with Football Canada and the Dream Catcher Foundation to provide access to our sport across Indigenous communities,” said NFL Canada General Manager Gavin Kemp. “Using the global stage of Super Bowl LIX, we’re focused on demonstrating our commitment to minimizing barriers for all to play the game across Canada.”
For Commanda, the delivery of several of these balls, along with flag football kits and a donation towards Football Canada’s Indigenous programming, are an important part of the initiative.
“I’m really pleased that some of these balls will be delivered to Indigenous communities in Canada and areas where Indigenous youth are playing football,” said Commanda, who grew up playing football on his reserve and idolizing players like 49ers legend Jerry Rice. “I think it will mean a lot to them to know that the NFL sees and acknowledges them.”
Commanda’s graffiti-inspired designs can be found in buildings across Ontario, including the John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design at the University of Toronto, the Indigenous Wellness Space at Sunnybrook hospital, and Elliot Lake Secondary School.
His signature style is also evident in his first ever football design.
“In addition to O’Demin, and its connection to football, the design I chose for this football integrates the four elements and laws of nature, the medicine wheel, and a visual land acknowledgement,” said Commanda. “So for anyone taking a look at the ball there are a lot of things to absorb.”
Fifty of the unique balls were produced at the Wilson factory in Ada, Ohio, where every official NFL game ball is made by hand. Some of the balls will also be on display at NFL and Football Canada events and grassroots football gatherings.
“I hope when people look at this ball they see more than just a cool design. Hopefully it can start conversations and just get people thinking. In my culture artwork is educational, so for the NFL to unveil these footballs as part of Super Bowl celebrations is an incredible opportunity.”
Several balls, along with an additional donation, will also be delivered to the Dream Catcher Foundation, which was founded by Eli Anko, a Canadian defensive lineman with the Buffalo Bills. Ankou is a member of the Ojibwe tribe through his mother, and has family that live in the Dokis First Nation near Sudbury. Ankou was raised in Ottawa, and played football at St. Peter Catholic High School in Orleans before accepting a football scholarship to UCLA.
“To me, the NFL unveiling of these footballs during the Super Bowl LIX celebrations signifies that we get to put pieces of our culture up on full display and share with other amazing people,” said Ankou. “Ultimately it all boils down to understanding one another, and I think that peering into the beauty of certain cultures opens up the door to many other elements facing those people. At the end of the day it’s all about a sense of understanding and community.”
The Dream Catcher Foundation is dedicated to empowering future generations of Native American women and children.
“My hope for these footballs is that it inspires young indigenous athletes, artists, or young people simply looking to leave their mark on the world to keep pushing,” said Ankou.