The NFL has announced that the footballs used in Super Bowl XLIX will have additional security this weekend amid their ongoing investigation into the inflation of game balls.
As per NFL policy, an independent set of equipment managers and ball attendants will handle pre-game preparation of balls.
The New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks will each prepare 54 balls apiece to be used in Sunday's game, and they will remain in the possession of the attendants and extra security.
"There will be some added security just because of the environment we're in for this game," vice-president of officiating Dean Blandino told reporters.
Meanwhile, the NFL hired Ted Wells earlier this month to investigate how 11 of the Patriots' 12 footballs were found to be under-inflated at half time of the AFC Championship Game a fortnight ago.
