What Do You Need To Be A NFL Player?

A look at what it takes to be a professional football player in the National Football League.

Introduction

Many people believe that playing in the NFL is all about being the biggest, strongest and fastest player on the field. While size, strength and speed are definitely important qualities for any NFL player, they are not the only things that players need to succeed at the highest level of professional football. In order to be successful in the NFL, players need to have a combination of physical abilities, technical skills and mental strengths.

Physical abilities are obviously important for any football player. NFL players need to have above average size, speed and strength. They also need to have good coordination and balance. Players who can run fast, jump high and change directions quickly often have an advantage over those who cannot.

Technical skills are also important for any football player. Players need to know how to catch, throw and kick a football. They also need to know how to block and tackle effectively. Players who can execute these basic technical skills well often have an advantage over those who cannot.

Mental strengths are just as important as physical abilities and technical skills for any football player. Players need to be able to think quickly and make split-second decisions. They also need to have good hand-eye coordination and spatial awareness. Players who can stay calm under pressure and make sound decisions often have an advantage over those who cannot

Physical Attributes

To even have a chance at playing in the NFL, you must be an exceptional athlete. There are physical attributes that every player must possess. These include size, speed, strength, and agility. Let’s take a more detailed look at each of these.

Size

There is no definitive answer when it comes to the size that an NFL player needs to be. Different positions require different sizes, and even within positions, there can be a range of sizes that are considered acceptable. That said, there are some general guidelines that can give you an idea of the size range that is typically seen in the NFL.

For quarterbacks, the average height is around 6’3”, with a weight of 218 pounds. Of course, there are always outliers like Tom Brady, who comes in at 6’4” and 225 pounds, and Drew Brees, who is only 6’0” but weighs 213 pounds.

Running backs tend to be shorter and lighter than quarterbacks, with an average height of 5’11” and a weight of 214 pounds. Again, there are some notable exceptions like Adrian Peterson, who is 6’1” and 217 pounds, and Marshawn Lynch, who is 5’11” but weighs 250 pounds.

Wide receivers come in all shapes and sizes, but the average player is around 6’0” tall and 192 pounds heavy. Calvin Johnson is one of the tallest receivers in the league at 6’5”, while Wes Welker is on the smaller side at 5’9”.

Defensive lineman need to be big and strong, with an average height of 6’4” and a weight of 303 pounds. Of course, there are always players who defy these averages – Ndamukong Suh is 6’4″ but weighs 307 pounds while Haloti Ngata stands at 6’4″ and 345 pounds.

Strength and Speed

In order to be a successful NFL player, you need to have a combination of strength, speed, and athleticism. While some players may be born with natural talent, the majority of players need to work hard to improve their skills.

Players who are strong and fast have an advantage on the field. They can outrun their opponents and make it difficult for them to catch the ball. Strength is also important for blocking and tackling. Players who are too weak will get pushed around on the field and may not be able to make plays.

Players also need to be quick and agile. They need to be able to change directions quickly and avoid being tackled. Being able to jump high is also helpful for catching the ball or blocking kicks. Some players are born with these attributes, but others need to work hard to improve them.

Skills

The National Football League (NFL) is a professional American football league. It is a goal of many young athletes to one day play in the NFL. In order to play in the NFL, players must have certain skills. These skills include: physical strength, speed, agility, intelligence, and more. If a player does not have these skills, they will not be successful in the NFL.

Playing the Game

You must have excellent hand-eye coordination to play football. This means you can catch and throw a football accurately. You must also be able to run quickly in different directions and change speed and direction quickly while you are running. This is called agility. To play football, you need to have good cardiovascular endurance so you can play for long periods of time without getting tired. You also need muscular endurance so your muscles do not get too tired during the game.

Being a Leader

Athletes who play at the NFL level have exceptional physical skills. They also possess a suite of intangibles that separate the good from the great. One of those intangible qualities is leadership.

The ability to lead is not always something that can be taught. It’s often something that is inherent in an individual’s personality. The best leaders are usually those who are natural born communicators and have a knack for galvanizing those around them.

Leadership is especially important for quarterback, who are often looked upon as the leader of their respective offenses. A quarterback must be able to take charge of the huddle and relay plays in a clear and concise manner. They must also be able to inspire their teammates to execute when the game is on the line.

Quarterbacks are not the only players who must be leaders on their respective teams. Every NFL team has players who serve as captains and are looked upon as leaders in the locker room. These players typically have several years of experience and are respected by their peers for their work ethic and leadership abilities.

The best leaders are usually those who lead by example. They are guys who play through injuries, work hard in practice and prepare diligently for games. These types of players earn the trust and respect of their teammates, which ultimately makes them better leaders.

Mental Attributes

To be successful in the NFL, you need more than just physical attributes. You need to have the mental strength to be able to handle the adversities that come with being a professional football player. Let’s take a look at some of the mental attributes that you need to have to be a successful NFL player.

Being Resilient

In order to be a NFL player, you need to be resilient. You need to be able to take hits and keep going. You need to be able to handle the pressure of the game and keep your head in the game. You need to be able to work hard and not give up when things get tough.

Having a Good Memory

In order to be a success on the football field, players need to have a good memory. They need to be able to remember their plays and their assignments. The best players are able to remember not only what they need to do, but also what their teammates need to do. This allows them to make quick decisions on the field and helps them avoid confusion.

Conclusion

To sum it up, in order to have a chance at becoming a NFL player, you will need to have size, speed, power, agility, and strength. You must also be a good teammate and have a great work ethic. Finally, you will need to have some luck along the way. If you have all of these things, then you have a chance at becoming a NFL player.