Football as Art: A Shared Language of Expression
Nipissing First Nations Artist Quentin Commanda Reveals Indigenous-Inspired Game Ball Ahead of Super Bowl LIX
When Nipissing First Nation (Garden Village) artist Quentin Commanda was approached by NFL Canada to create a unique design for an official NFL game ball, he drew inspiration from his cultural teachings and the essence of the game itself.
“In Anishinaabe teachings, the strawberry, O’Demin, represents heart, and to me, heart is a big part of the sport of football,” said Commanda, who is also known by his artist name, Que Rock. “I think of this design as an X-ray photo of spirit, with layers of meaning, but the heart berry is at its core.”
Unveiled recently as part of the lead-up to Super Bowl LIX, the ball is part of a broader cooperation between NFL Canada, Football Canada, and the Dream Catcher Foundation to enhance access to the sport in Indigenous communities. Alongside the ball’s release, the initiative includes donations of flag football kits and funding to support Football Canada’s Indigenous programming.
The unveiling of the game ball serves as a powerful moment of representation, highlighting the influence and artistry of Indigenous communities on football’s biggest stage. NFL Canada General Manager Gavin Kemp spoke to the initiative’s impact.
“This is an incredible initiative, and we’re thrilled to partner with Football Canada and the Dream Catcher Foundation to provide access to our sport across Indigenous communities,” said Kemp. “Using the global stage of Super Bowl LIX, we’re focused on demonstrating our commitment to minimizing barriers for all to play the game across Canada.”
For Commanda, the initiative goes beyond the football itself.
“I’m really pleased that some of these balls will be delivered to Indigenous communities in Canada and areas where Indigenous youth are playing football,” said Commanda, who grew up playing football on his reserve and idolizing 49ers legend Jerry Rice. “I think it will mean a lot to them to know that the NFL sees and acknowledges them.”
Commanda’s graffiti-inspired artwork is widely recognized across Ontario, appearing in spaces like the John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture at the University of Toronto and the Indigenous Wellness Space at Sunnybrook Hospital. His signature style is evident in his first-ever football design.
“In addition to O’Demin and its connection to football, the design integrates the four elements and laws of nature, the medicine wheel, and a visual land acknowledgment,” Commanda explained. “So for anyone taking a look at the ball, there are a lot of things to absorb.”
Each of the 50 unique balls was handcrafted at the Wilson factory in Ada, Ohio, where all official NFL game balls are produced. Some will be distributed to Indigenous communities, while others will be showcased at NFL and Football Canada events.
“I hope when people look at this ball they see more than just a cool design. Hopefully, it can start conversations and just get people thinking. In my culture, artwork is educational, so for the NFL to unveil these footballs as part of Super Bowl celebrations is an incredible opportunity.”
Dream Catcher Foundation: More Than Just a Game
Several balls, along with an additional donation, will also be delivered to the Dream Catcher Foundation, which was founded by Buffalo Bills offensive lineman Eli Ankou. Ankou is a member of the Ojibwe tribe through his mother and has family that live in the Dokis First Nation near Sudbury. Ankou was raised in Ottawa and played football at St. Peter Catholic High School in Orleans before accepting a football scholarship to UCLA.
The Dream Catcher Foundation is dedicated to empowering future generations of Indigenous youth. While the foundation’s focus is on increasing access to sport, it also serves a broader mission of promoting healthy lifestyles and raising awareness of critical issues affecting Indigenous communities, including the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG).
“Getting Indigenous youth into sport is a major priority,” said Ankou. “But just as important is making sure we address the systemic issues impacting our communities. That’s why our foundation also takes on advocacy work like spreading awareness about MMIWG. We’ve even partnered with NFL 360 to produce a documentary on this issue, which got nominated for a sports Emmy.”
The foundation has also raised funds to support Indigenous families and communities through various initiatives, reinforcing the idea that football can be more than just a sport—it can be a platform for change.
For Ankou, football and art share a deep connection. Much like a painting or sculpture, a football player’s performance on the field is a reflection of countless hours of preparation, discipline, and expression.
“When I step on the field, it’s almost my canvas,” Ankou said. “I’m displaying the thousands of hours of work that went into getting to that point in life. Every play is different, every moment is unique. Just like an artist meticulously places every brushstroke, a football player puts years of dedication into every move they make.”
Eli sees parallels between Quentin Commanda’s artistic approach to the ball and the way athletes express themselves through sport.
“Watching someone paint and seeing their skill set put on full display, I can see the attention to detail—the ability to not miss a line. That’s exactly what happens on the field. It’s a beautiful thing.”
With every pass, carry, and touchdown made with this ball, the message resonates far beyond the field. It serves as a symbol of culture, history, and the future of Indigenous athletes who dream of playing the game at the highest level.
“I think it’s beautiful that we’re able to do [this], we’re able to share that aspect of our culture on a world stage. You’re looking at the biggest football game in the world. I think more than anything, it’s been a long time coming [to be] able to express ourselves and say: