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

Return to Full Article

Coming soon

Add New Question

Question

What if I don't get drafted and don't know how else to become an NFL player?

Community Answer

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.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 35 Helpful 236
Question

How do you become a NFL player?

Community Answer

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.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 37 Helpful 169
Question

Can an NFL team contact a college player directly and hire that player without the player going through the draft?

Donagan

Top Answerer

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.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 22 Helpful 85
Question

Is it possible to have experience before high school and college and make it to the NFL by being convincing earlier?

Community Answer

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.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 27 Helpful 114
Question

After you get accepted, can you still back out?

Community Answer

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.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 20 Helpful 81
Question

How can I become a good running back?

Community Answer

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

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 25 Helpful 89
Question

What can i do if I want to be in the NFL, but I am from Sweden?

Community Answer

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

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 24 Helpful 72
Question

How do I get in contact with college scouts?

Donagan

Top Answerer

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

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 31 Helpful 65
Question

Can I still go to the NFL with only 2 years of college football?

Donagan

Top Answerer

It's been done, but not often.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 17 Helpful 64
Question

Can I try out for the NFL if I don't play football in college?

Community Answer

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

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 25 Helpful 79
Question

Can I still be an NFL player if I don't play football in high school?

Donagan

Top Answerer

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

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 7 Helpful 31
Question

Are only Americans eligible to become NFL players?

Donagan

Top Answerer

Occasionally there are NFL players from other countries.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 9
Question

Do I have to go to a division 1 college to go to the NFL?

Donagan

Top Answerer

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

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 3 Helpful 13
Question

Can you start playing football in college?

Community Answer

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.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 16 Helpful 45
Question

If I get kicked out of school but want to be an NFL player, how can I be scouted?

Donagan

Top Answerer

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

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 2 Helpful 13
Question

What grade average do I have to maintain to be in the NFL?

Donagan

Top Answerer

No particular average is required.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 7
Question

If I were to lose my scholarship going into my senior year of college, could I still be drafted by the NFL?

Donagan

Top Answerer

Yes.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 4
Question

Would starting football in junior high be a good start?

Donagan

Top Answerer

Yes.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 4
Question

I played as a starter on the B team but ended the year as a back up on A team. Does that mean the coaches didn't believe in me enough to be their starter or did they see potential in me?

Donagan

Top Answerer

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

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 5
Question

How can I get drafted if I play football in a different country like in Europe? Do I need to move to the US?

Community Answer

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.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 20 Helpful 40
Question

How can I avoid getting hurt?

Donagan

Top Answerer

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

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 8
Question

Is it good to start at young age?

Community Answer

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

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 5
Question

When can an NCAA football player become eligible for the NFL draft?

Donagan

Top Answerer

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.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 3
Question

So after I play football in high school, I sign up for college football on a website?

Donagan

Top Answerer

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.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 4
Question

I played high school football and college. What should I do to get in the NFL?

Donagan

Top Answerer

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

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 4
Question

What if I'm really bad at football but I like it?

Donagan

Top Answerer

Keep playing. You'll get better.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 5
Question

I'm Mormon; if I go on a mission for 2 years and college for 2 years and am a good player, could I still get drafted?

Donagan

Top Answerer

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

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 4 Helpful 9
Question

Can I play football in community college?

Donagan

Top Answerer

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

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 2 Helpful 6
Question

Is it possible to get drafted senior year of high school?

Donagan

Top Answerer

The NFL does not draft high school players.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 4 Helpful 8
Question

Can I attend a regional combine if I didn't go to college but have played football in high school and a few years in semi-pro?

Donagan

Top Answerer

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

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 4 Helpful 11