High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! The Vortex football originated in 1993 by Oddzon Toys under license from toy inventor David Führer as a blue football with a black extension branching off three fins for aerodynamic efficiency. The shape and weight of the ball enabled long distance throws not possible with an ordinary football. Oddzon was ultimately acquired by Hasbro Corporation and the product now sells under the Nerf brand, owned by Hasbro.John Elway made several endorsements for this product. In later years, Peyton Manning became the spokesperson.