Life after the NFL - an interesting read

[jaxadam]

This is a pretty interesting, and sobering perspective for what it's like to be a professional athlete. I'll definitely keep this is mind going into the 2011-2012 season.

For retired NFL players, most challenging 'season' just beginning - CNN.com

• The average NFL career is 3.52 seasons

• The average age of retired NFL players is 28

• Within five years of leaving the league, 75% of NFL players end up broke, divorced or unemployed

• 65% of NFL players leave the game with permanent injuries

• At least 20% of players reading this are clinically depressed

• The average life expectancy for retired NFL players is 53-59 years

[Pete]

That's pretty sad. However, with the injury stuff aside, most of these guys probably went to college on a scholarship and made more money in three years in the NFL than most make in a lifetime. It's hard for me to show compassion to the guys that spent all their money after their first big contract. I do feel bad for the guys that will have permanent injuries, but it’s a violent game and anything can happen. Also, when you see some of these guys on the offensive line that weigh over 400 pounds and are only 24 years old it's no wonder they die young.
MLB players have it made with guaranteed contracts when compared to NFL contracts, but I guess that’s the price you pay if you want to be a pro football player.

[noodles]

The minimum NFL salary is $285,000. While that may sound like a lot, what if you are that guy who is not a starter, gets hurt, and is out in three or four years? It evaporates into medical expenses, since NFL players are contractors who don't get health care benefits. This isn't even taking into account the guys who get signed to development contracts, where they don't have to be paid the league minimums.

[Pete]

Originally Posted by noodles

The minimum NFL salary is $285,000. While that may sound like a lot, what if you are that guy who is not a starter, gets hurt, and is out in three or four years? It evaporates into medical expenses, since NFL players are contractors who don't get health care benefits. This isn't even taking into account the guys who get signed to development contracts, where they don't have to be paid the league minimums.

I agree but they had an option to stay in school and earn their degree to have a something to fall back on when their NFL career is over. I realize not every player gets a huge contract nor has that many years to earn at that level, but no one forced them to play football. It was a choice and that were lucky enough to be gifted with the athletic talent to get to that level. They’re in a lot better shape than the guy who wasn’t as talented and was never awarded a scholarship to play college football along with getting a college education for free. I’m sure they’re a lot of players who never panned out in the NFL and went on to pursue their major in college in the work force.