I think it's funny that the literal shape of the ball plays an important part in the game of football.  Most other ball sports that I can think of off the top of my head (baseball, basketball, soccer, tennis, golf) have balls that are spheres, so the shape doesn't really come into play.  The texture (basketball), seams (baseball), and material (golf) all play a role, but not the shape.  A football is weird because it's oblong and pointy.  It makes it easy for a quarterback to throw, a ball-carrier to hold, and a receiver to catch.  But if the ball bounces off the ground, it literally exhibits unpredictable, random motion.  Sometimes that's good if you're punting or kicking and don't want the other team to have the ball.  But other times it's bad if you're trying to scoop up a fumble.  It's never not funny watching a group of large, athletic men chase around an chaotically bouncing ball. #sports