This easy cotton ball stamped football is a fun and easy art project that you can make with your kids to celebrate Black History Month. Young football fans will enjoy this activity while also learning about important African Americans that made an impact in the sport. This craft was inspired by Charles Follis, the first Black professional American football player. He played for the Shelby Blues of the “Ohio League” from 1902 to 1906. This craft was also inspired by Frederick Douglass “Fritz” Pollard, the first African American head coach in the National Football League (NFL), with the Akron Pros in 1921. Hope you enjoy making this cotton ball stamped football with your family for Black History Month!

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Supplies for Cotton Ball Stamped Football
- FREE football template
- White cardstock
- Cotton balls
- Scissors
- Glue
- Paint
- Clothespins
- Paper plate
- Cricut (optional)

Directions
- First, download the FREE football template. (see supplies) Then print on white cardstock and cut it out. If you have a Cricut, search for a football image then cut on white cardstock.
- Next, add brown paint to a paper plate.
- Your child will need to pinch a cotton ball in between a clothespin. Then dip it in the paint and stamp the football with it. Make sure they completely cover the football with the brown paint. Once they are finished, set it aside to dry.
- Finally, glue the laces to the football. See picture below.






Watch the video below to see how to make this cotton ball stamped football craft for Black History Month. Make sure to follow me on YouTube for more fun content!
You can find these cool books about football on Amazon (As an Amazon Associate, I’ll earn a commission, at no additional cost to you. This only applies if you click through and make a purchase. Thank you for your support!), your local library or visit your local book shop. If you’re looking for a Black-owned business in Tampa Bay to support, check out Cultured Books or Black English Bookstore. You can also order from them online.
- Follow Chester! by Gloria Respress-Churchwell
- Goodnight Football by Michael Dahl
- The End Zone by Lori Mortensen
- Don’t Throw It to Mo! by David A. Adler
- Between the Lines by Sandra Neil Wallace
- Let’s Play Football! by Ginger Swift & Cottage Door Press
- The Hero In The Helmet: Colin Kaepernick by Joa Macnalie
- Football & Family: The Justin Jefferson Story by Chad Israelson
- Pigskins to Paintbrushes: The Story of Football-Playing Artist Ernie Barnes by Don Tate
- Heroic Heart: An Illustrated Biography of Joe Delaney by Frank Murphy & Charnaie Gordon










If you’re looking for films about football, check out Remember the Titans, Brian’s Song or The Express.
Learn about Black History Month with these awesome books for kids and teens. You can find these books on Amazon (As an Amazon Associate, I’ll earn a commission, at no additional cost to you. This only applies if you click through and make a purchase. Thank you for your support!), your local library or visit your local book shop. If you’re looking for a Black-owned business in Tampa Bay to support, check out Cultured Books or Black English Bookstore. You can also order from them online.
- We March by Shane W. Evans
- Mae Among the Stars by Roda Ahmed
- A History of Me by Adrea Theodore
- The ABCs of Black History by Rio Cortez
- Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre by Carole Boston Weatherford
- Fearless Mary: Mary Fields, American Stagecoach Driver by Tami Charles
- Coretta: The Autobiography of Mrs. Coretta Scott King by Coretta Scott King
- Be a King: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Dream and You by Carole Boston Weatherford
- Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race by Margot Lee Shetterly
- Saving the Day: Garrett Morgan’s Life-Changing Invention of the Traffic Signal by Karyn Parsons










Watch the video below to learn about Tampa’s Black History. Make sure to follow me on YouTube for more amazing content!
Looking for more ways to celebrate Black History Month? Visit my Pinterest board for great ideas or check out these fun art projects below:
How to Celebrate Black History Month
Blow Art Hair Craft Inspired by Lorna Simpson
How to Make a DIY Puffy Paint Traffic Light
Paper Plate Ice Cream Cone Craft

