In 1999, kickers, punters and snappers had to contend with special kicking footballs, known as K balls.  Now, for at least the second week of preseason, all players will need to deal with a football with synthetic laces.

Apparently, the NFL has asked that teams use the synthetic lace football as a “test” rather than a ball with traditional leather laces.  Synthetic lace footballs, although common at the college and high school level, have already caused concern among NFL quarterbacks and some snappers as well.  Teams have been told they have the option of which ball to use during this week’s preseason games.