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After America's first settlers blazed the original trails across this great country, it made sense to assume their quest to conquer the unknown would cease once they explored every forest, river and mountain.
Much like that pioneering journey, the USA Football Commemorative Ball Tour, which spanned five months and reached football enthusiasts in over 30 states has come to an end after reaching dozens of football destinations across America.
After the tour kicked off at the NFL Draft in late April, USA Football's Commemorative Ball, which serves as a symbol of the game's values such as teamwork, dedication and sacrifice, made multiple stops at various football functions including USA Football's 40 coaching schools and officiating schools, player academies, high school all-star games, NFL training camps, college campuses, Pro Football Hall of Fame Weekend, ArenaBowl XXII and dozens of grassroots events.
Throughout the tour, many of the game's iconic figures such as Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and wide receiver Hines Ward, LSU head coach Les Miles, University of Hawaii head coach Greg Macklin, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and others took the opportunity to pose with the ball.
Ward and Roethlisberger participated in USA Football's tribute to the sport during Steelers training camp in July before the tour concluded in Canton, Ohio, on Pro Football Hall of Fame Weekend.
"If you take a look at the work world today, no matter what profession, they're looking for a person who is dedicated, hard-working, loyal and who is willing to make sacrifices for the company," said DeMatha (Md.) Catholic High School Head Coach Bill McGregor. "They're also looking for someone who exhibits good character, leadership and class. I think those are the intangibles that a young person attains from playing football."