How to Become a Pro Football Player

Playing in leagues other than the NFL may be a stepping stone toward playing for an NFL team.

Competition in men’s professional football leagues in the United States is operated mostly by the National Football League (NFL), but other leagues, such as the Canadian Football League (CFL) and the Arena Football Leagues (AFL and AFL 2), are also popular. Women’s pro football is operated primarily by the Women’s Professional Football League (WPFL). Playing in leagues other than the NFL may be a stepping stone toward playing for an NFL team.

Instructions

1. Attract the attention of college scouts and recruiters. Competition for positions on pro teams is fierce. About 6 percent of high school inter-scholastic football players go on to compete at an NCAA school. Of these, only about 2 percent are drafted by an NFL team.

2. Attend college and play football there.

3. Compile and send out press kits to attract the attention of pro scouts. Kits usually contain high-quality photographs, a resume of achievements, clippings from articles in which you appear and a DVD featuring your playing skills and highlights.

4. Send a notice of availability for the draft to the NFL. Players who are not selected in the draft become free agents and may try out for any team.

5. Enlist the services of an agent.

6. Locate and attend tryouts for a position on an NFL, AFL or CFL team. Bring your own cleats and media kits to tryouts. It’s a good idea to have your agent attend, too.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't worry about salaries. You are trying to earn recognition and fight for a position. Compensation will come your way if you prove you are a valuable performer.

• Get a good education before going pro.

Resources

• National Football League
• Arena Football League
• Canadian Football League