Kickoff

The Kickoff pinball machine, designed by Steve Kordek and manufactured by Williams Electronics in 1967, is the add-a-ball version of Williams' 1967 game Touchdown. Its release coincided with the height of football's popularity in the United States, capitalizing on the excitement and energy of America's favorite sport. 1,150 units were produced.

As an electro-mechanical (EM) add-a-ball game, Kickoff employs the flippers, pop bumpers, and slingshots typical of the era to create an engaging and unpredictable play experience. Its football-themed objectives add a layer of thematic identity that set it apart from generically-themed contemporaries.

The Kickoff's design and artwork are notable for their attention to detail and thematic cohesion, featuring football-inspired imagery on the cabinet and playfield. Kordek, a prolific designer with a career spanning decades at Williams and Genco, brought his experience to this football-themed title. Despite its relatively short lifespan as a production game, the Kickoff has developed a following among pinball enthusiasts for its historical significance and nostalgic charm.