Q&A for How to Be Eligible to Get Into the NFL

The NFL also has five regional combines, located in Houston, Arizona, Baltimore, Minnesota and New Orleans. You could try out at one of them and may even receive a free agent offer directly afterward.

Start by being in college football and be a good player. In the high school football team, the NFL coaches are watching already, so they can decide whether you're ideal for the team after your college years.

No. The draft system was instituted to avoid the chaos that would occur if NFL teams tried to recruit players directly. The draft also promotes parity among the teams.

It is possible but a long shot. You'd have to be fairly amazing. Don't bet on this happening and keep working hard toward your dream.

Yes, but remember that your reputation with suffer if you back out after your first game. If you want to play again in the future, this will not look good for any other teams that may want to hire you, and may ruin your chances.

Practice often, get into football young and read this: How to Be a Running Back .

In 2016, the Minnesota Vikings drafted a wide receiver from Germany. Just practice and play hard.

If you're an extraordinarily good player, you won't have to contact them. They will hear about you.

It's been done, but not often.

You may be able to try out for the NFL, but only if a scout sees you play in high school.

The NFL doesn't care about high school players. The usual route to the NFL is to play college ball. So, yes.

Occasionally there are NFL players from other countries.

No. It helps, but it's not mandatory.

You can; however, if its' your first year to play the game of football, then you will probably sit the bench unless you are incredible on the field and it happened to be just one of your secret hobbies up till then. Talk to the coach if you're in this position and feel deeply that it's your destiny.

You'll have to enroll at another school, or look for a semi-pro team.

No particular average is required.

Yes.

Yes.

Only they can answer that question. However, it can be assumed that they see potential in you.

You would need to move to the US and attend a Division 1 college if you want a chance to be noticed by an NFL team, and then attend the draft.

Work on your strength by weight training and your flexibility by stretching. Wear pads whenever you play or practice.

Yes! The younger you start, the more preparation you can obtain.

A player is eligible if he's been out of high school at least three years and has used up his college eligibility. Underclassmen occasionally seek waivers from these rules.

No. You enroll in a college and go out for their football team. Perhaps a college will give you a scholarship to play for them.

If you are eligible for the next draft, enter a regional combine.

Keep playing. You'll get better.

Yes. You'd need to impress them at a combine.

There are a few community colleges that have interscholastic football programs, but most do not.

The NFL does not draft high school players.

The NFL has very specific rules regarding combine-eligibility. You can inquire with the NFL Player Personnel Department at 212-450-2215.