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The original Sharpie marker was first introduced in 1964 and has since expanded into a wide product line. Today, Sharpies are sold in seven varieties, according to the shape and size of their tip(s), ranging from "Ultra Fine" to "Chisel". They also come in 17 traditional ink colors, along with a single variety in metallic silver.
Each Sharpie has a printed seal ensuring certification from the Art & Creative Materials Institute (ACMI).
In October 2002 the Sharpie marker made news in the United States when, after scoring a touchdown for the San Francisco 49ers against the Seattle Seahawks, American football player Terrell Owens revealed a pen he had stored in his sock, autographed the ball with which he had just scored, and passed it to his financial advisor, who was sitting in the audience.
Many, including team officials, expressed dismay at the apparent arrogance of the move and the implication that Owens' attention was directed toward commercial exploitation of his athletic successes. Team officials did not, however, discipline him for the incident.
In interviews, he called the pen a "Sharpie" by name. Many speculated that Owens hoped to win an endorsement deal from Sanford. Bob Daenen, brand manager for the Sharpie line, originally said company officials were not interested. However, a year later, Sharpie enlisted Owens for a promotion entitled "Sharpie Metallic AUTOgraphs for Education," involving small donations of cash and school supplies to Bay Area schools.