Future for College Football Players

I've always wondered what happens mostly to ex-college football players. Do most of them get picked for the NFL or do they delve into other career paths?

It's a common question, and the reality is, a relatively small portion of college football players go on to play in the NFL. According to the NCAA, only about 2% of college football athletes are drafted into the NFL. This means that the vast majority of former college football players do indeed pursue other career paths after college.

What career paths a former player may pursue can depend on a variety of factors, including their field of study, interests outside of football, and the opportunities available to them. Some athletes might pursue careers in sports in different capacities, such as coaching at the high school or college level, working in sports administration or as a sports agent, or becoming sports broadcasters or analysts.

Others might go into fields completely unrelated to sports. Many student athletes choose a major in business, education, communication, or social sciences, and could pursue careers in these areas after graduation. Some might use football scholarships as a means to access education opportunities they wouldn't have otherwise had, and then go into careers like law, medicine, or engineering.

An important aspect for athletes while still in school is to utilize resources available to them such as networking opportunities, academic support, career counseling, and internship opportunities. This can help them prepare for life after college, whether that includes a career in the NFL or in another field entirely. For example, a student athlete interested in business may intern with the athletic department's marketing team or a local business, gaining valuable work experience.

So, in summary, while some college football players do indeed go on to the NFL, the vast majority transition into careers that may have very little to do with football. Regardless of the path they take, the skills learned through their athletic careers such as teamwork, discipline, and time management often prove valuable in any career.