NFL Age Limit Rules

The National Football League (NFL) requires that a player be three years removed from high school before being eligible for the Rookie Draft. The rule was challenged in federal courts as a violation of Anti-Trust Laws. While the lower courts ruled against the NFL, the ruling was overturned in appeals, allowing the rule to remain in place.

Significance

The rule is the strictest age test among the United States' "big four" professional sports leagues. The NBA requires one year removed from high school, whereas the NHL and MLB allow drafting once a player is 18 years old.

Benefits

The rule ensures that a player has three seasons in college football to mature both mentally and physically.

Controversy

Detractors argue that with the violent nature of football it is unfair to subject a talented player to potential injury in college which could jeopardize his career.

History

Maurice Clarett filed the anti-trust suit prior to the 2003 NFL Draft. He had lost his NCAA eligibility following his freshman season at Ohio State University.

History

USC wide receiver Mike Williams declared for the draft after Clarett's lower-level victory. He unsuccessfully sought to regain NCAA eligibility when the ruling was overturned as he had already hired an agent.