Here's why:
* Lenticular galaxies are a type of galaxy that bridges the gap between spiral and elliptical galaxies. They have a disk shape, similar to spirals, but they lack the prominent spiral arms.
* Football is a good analogy because lenticular galaxies are often flattened and somewhat elongated, resembling the shape of a football.
It's important to note that lenticular galaxies don't have the exact shape of a football. They can be more or less elongated depending on their specific characteristics.