[Colofornian]

Because each team provides the footballs they use on offense. So the Colts use one set, and the Patriots use another set.

(And to add one note, Grampa Dave...only the Patriots footballs were deflated, not the Colts -- well at least 11 of the 12 were...which made me wonder why the media even devolved into covering the coldness angle, which might contribute very slightly to air loss...also 'twas 51 at game-time...not exactly brutally cold...or we would have seen snow...and not rain during the game)

[driftdiver]

If its not important why is there a rule for it? Why do they check the footballs before every game?