What Percentage of NFL Players Have College Degrees?
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A recent study found that only about 1 in 10 NFL players have college degrees. This is a pretty low number, especially when compared to other professional athletes. So, what percentage of NFL players have college degrees?
The answer may surprise you. According to the study, the vast majority of NFL players (85%) do not have a college degree. This is much lower than the percentage of NBA players (48%) and MLB players (41%) who have a college degree.
The percentage of NFL players with college degrees has increased over time
In 2017, the NFL released data that showed that 52 percent of players had college degrees. This was up from 47 percent in 2016 and just over a third in 2007. The increase is due to a number of factors, including the league’s investment in its Players Education Program and its partnership with the National Football Foundation to provide scholarships for players who want to continue their education.
The percentage of NFL players with college degrees has increased steadily over the past decade, thanks to the league’s investment in its players’ education. In 2017, 52 percent of NFL players had college degrees, up from 47 percent in 2016 and just over a third in 2007. The increase is due to a number of factors, including the league’s partnership with the National Football Foundation to provide scholarships for players who want to continue their education.
The majority of NFL players now have college degrees
The majority of NFL players now have college degrees, according to a new study. The study, conducted by the University of Michigan, found that 57% of NFL players surveyed had earned a college degree. This is up from just 50% in 2009.
The study also found that the percentage of NFL players with college degrees varies widely by position. For example, 78% of quarterbacks surveyed have a college degree, while just 33% of running backs do.
One reason for the increase in NFL players with college degrees is the increasing popularity of online courses and programs that allow players to complete their degree while still playing professionally.
The benefits of having a college degree for NFL players
Many people believe that playing in the NFL is all about talent and that having a college degree is not necessary. However, this is not the case. In fact, NFL players who have a college degree tend to have longer careers and earn more money than those who do not have a degree.
There are many benefits of having a college degree for NFL players. First, players with a degree tend to have longer careers. Second, they tend to earn more money than players without a degree. Third, they are less likely to get injured. Finally, they are more likely to be successful off the field when their playing days are over.
Having a college degree is not a guarantee of success in the NFL, but it certainly gives players a better chance of having a long and successful career.
The challenges of balancing NFL and college schedules
It’s no secret that playing in the NFL is a full-time job. In addition to practices and games, players also have to meet with coaches and team staff, do media appearances, and train in the off-season. For many players, this leaves little time for anything else—including completing their college degrees.
With the average NFL career lasting just over three years, many players feel like they don’t have the time to finish their degrees before their playing days are over. And with salaries reaching into the millions of dollars, some players question whether going back to school is worth it financially.
But there are some players who see completing their degree as an important goal, regardless of the challenges. Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers famously took classes during his NFL off-seasons while also working out and studying film. He eventually earned his degree from Cal in 2010—13 years after first enrolling at the school.
Likewise, Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald spent his off-seasons taking classes at Pittsburgh until he finally earned his degree in social and cultural analysis in 2017. Fitzgerald had originally left school early to enter the NFL draft, but he always said finishing his degree was important to him.
There are a number of other players who have made similar commitments to finishing their degrees, including Dolphins linebacker Jerome Baker, Texans defensive end Jadeveon Clowney, and 49ers tackle Mike McGlinchey. And while they may be in the minority, there are also a number of active NFL players who already have their degrees—including Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, Seahawks linebacker Bobby Wagner, and Colts offensive lineman Anthony Castonzo.
So what percentage of NFL players actually have college degrees? According to a 2019 study by The Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport (TIDES), 23% of active NFL players have completed their college degrees. While that number may seem low, it’s actually an improvement from 2015 when TIDES reported that just 20% of active NFL players had college degrees.
The increasing importance of education in the NFL was also highlighted in a 2017 report by The Undefeated which found that 58% of incoming rookies had completed their degree or were on track to do so within five years. This was up from just 50% in 2016 and was the highest percentage since The Undefeated began tracking this data in 2001.
So while the majority of NFL players may not have college degrees, it’s clear that more and more players are seeing the value in balancing football with academics.
How NFL players with college degrees are changing the game
The National Football League (NFL) has long been considered a league of athletes who have physically dominated their opponents on the field. However, in recent years, the number of NFL players with college degrees has increased dramatically, and the league is starting to see the benefits of having more educated players.
According to a recent report by The Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport, nearly 60% of NFL players now have college degrees. This is up from just over 50% in 2009, and represents a significant increase in the educational attainment of NFL players.
There are several reasons why this trend is occurring. First, NFL teams are increasingly valuing players who have the ability to think critically and solve problems on the fly. This is especially important in today’s game, which is becoming more complex and faster-paced than ever before.
Second, college degrees are becoming more common among young people in general, so it stands to reason that more NFL players would have them as well. Finally, many NFL players are using their platform to encourage young people to pursue their education and reach their full potential.
Whatever the reasons for this trend, it’s clear that the NFL is becoming increasingly populated by players who are not only physically talented but also well-educated. This is good news for the league and for the future of professional football.