Washington DC expression: the briefcase carried by a military officer c ontaining the launch codes to America's nuclear arsenal. Follows the President everywhere. Example: The person carrying the football is usually a field grade officer, generally a major or lieutenant commander. Contrary to myth the football is not handcuffed to the carrier.
THE FOOTBALL
Meaning of THE FOOTBALL in English
Slang English vocab. Английский сленговый словарь. 2012