A common complaint of Nerf-like, finned footballs is that they feel unlike a football while throwing and detract from the 'pig-skin' experience. This modification uses a wind up time similar to a kitchen timer to deploy spring loaded guide fins from a football. The thrower would be holding the timer while holding the football, and the timer would be started upon release of the football. The timer would last a second or two and then move linkages to deploy the fins so that they deploy mid-air.
This toy reinforces the principles of aerodynamics and coordination.
The fins will be made of foam and therefore, accidental deployment will not harm the user. This toy is no more dangerous than a football and should only cost about 50% more, probably around $15 to make. The foam will be very durable.