Playing in the NFL - Is It Worth It?

• ironman02

  After watching both NFL playoff games today, and seeing the toll that it takes on the players, I began to wonder if playing in the NFL is really worth it. Obviously even the lowest paid NFL players still make much more money than the average person and I'm sure nearly every player in the league is happy with the paycheck.
  
  At the same time though, I remember reading that the average NFL career lasts only between 3 and 4 years. For various reasons, players are forced to leave the league, and in many cases, they're physically unable to perform after sustaining injuries that will linger for the rest of their lives. Most players aren't "stars" that certainly make enough money to last their entire lifetime, and even some who are, squander their money by not making sound financial decisions.
  
  Anyway, the point of the thread is this.
  
  Are the physical demands of playing in the league, and the health issues that may stick with a player for the rest of his life, worth the money?
  
  Would you play the game that you love, even if it is a brutal and violent sport, while sacrificing your personal health for the money?
  
  With all the new evidence about the effects of concussions, and seeing stories about former NFL players who now live in poverty, is it better to preserve your physical well-being and find another way to make a living, or should you go for the money and disregard the consequences?
  
  Just wanted to see what everyone thought.
• Footwedge

  Yup. I'd play. But I do think NFL players deserve the cash they earn...wereby the other 3 major sports the players are grossly overpaid...especially baseball players.
• sjmvsfscs08

  Absolutely not. It's the same reason I chose not to play in college. I'd rather live to see some great-grandchildren. Thanks to high school football alone I have neck pain everyday; and I'm a mere twenty years old.
• hoops23

  

  Yes it's worth it.
• Non

  

  It is an enormous physical toll.
  
  If you think back to just playing in high school. There were was some pretty good hitting going on just on those practice fields, especially if you're on scout team getting crunched several plays in a row. A lot of sore nights after practice. To go through that in college and then in the NFL for 10-15 years you are lucky to come out healthy and with your senses, I think.
  
  I think it would be worth it clearly for the money and also the experience. Same way playing under the Friday night lights was a great experience or any opportunity where you perform in front of a large audience.
• gut

  Yeah, even 3-4 year guys paid the price to get there. But some of those guys, especially lineman and RB's who play 10+ years...make your money and hang it up after 5-6 while you still have a shot at not being crippled later in life.
  
  But not everyone has terrible problems, and some positions fare better than others. I would guess most people would play that lottery for the money and fame to play a game for a living.
• Sonofanump

  gut wrote:....make your money and hang it up after 5-6 while you still have a shot at not being crippled later in life.

  The first name I thought of was Robert Smith. But not too many NFL players have the intellect that he does to find something to do after the game is done.
• iclfan2

  

  I'd play it if I didn't love it. I'd take my chances of getting hurt for a million dollar paycheck. And because I'm not a ratard I would save my money and be able to live off of whatever I had made.
• David St. Hubbins

  

  I would only want to play in the NFL if I played a position that doesn't involve much contact.
  Preferably:
  1.Punter - pretty much no contact, not too much pressure either, compared to the kicker
  2. Kicker
  3. 2nd/3rd String quarterback behind someone like favre or manning who never gets hurt so you can hold the clip board your whole career.
  
  You wouldn't be getting the massive paychecks, but would still be making at least mid-upper six figures, plus very little contact so you should be in decent shape. Any other positions definitely wouldnt be worth it.
• Skyhook79

  

  David St. Hubbins wrote: I would only want to play in the NFL if I played a position that doesn't involve much contact.
  Preferably:
  1.Punter - pretty much no contact, not too much pressure either, compared to the kicker
  2. Kicker
  3. 2nd/3rd String quarterback behind someone like favre or manning who never gets hurt so you can hold the clip board your whole career.
  
  You wouldn't be getting the massive paychecks, but would still be making at least mid-upper six figures, plus very little contact so you should be in decent shape. Any other positions definitely wouldnt be worth it.

  Unless your Sebastian Janikowski and get paid 2.6 million a year to kick a football on one of the worst teams in the NFL and have a beer gut.
• sjmvsfscs08

  If it were a kicker/punter deal, then yes I'd change my mind. I played guard and defensive end though, I'd never want to play anything more than high school at those positions.
• jordo212000

  

  I'd play for a couple years, bank some money and walk away
• tuskytuffguy

  I have dealt with some pains since high school, but I would gladly play defense if I had an opportunity, no doubt. Unfortunately, being a 5'7'' NT gets you nowhere after high school.
• ironman02

  Thanks for the responses. Looks like most people would take the risk and hope to make it out with their health still intact.
  
  I think I'd have to say yes also. It would be ideal to play for a few years, or until your body begins to show some signs of wear and tear, and then walk away with the money. Once you've played for a while, and have put so much effort into it, it might be hard to walk away before you have to. At the same time though, it's obviously wise to get out before you do damage to your body that won't heal.
  
  I'm sure there are some guys who can play for 10+ years and get out with minimal damage, but it seems like those players are certainly in the minority. Having the ability to play in the NFL, and having to decide when to call it quits, is probably a good problem to have though.