NFL Players and Degree Completion

Hello all! I'm just sort of wondering - Do most NFL players complete their college degrees? If yes, is it usually before they start their football career?

It's actually a mixed bag when it comes to NFL players and college degrees. A good number of them leave college early to enter the NFL Draft, especially if they are projected to be picked in the early rounds. This is frequently the case with athletes who show exceptional promise during their college career.

However, this does not mean that these athletes completely abandon their education. Many NFL players have been known to return to school during their off seasons or after their professional football careers to complete their degrees. For example, players may take advantage of online courses or attend summer school to keep working towards their degree completion while still playing in the NFL.

And then there are players who complete their degrees before entering the NFL. These players typically play four or five years of college football, meaning they redshirt their first season or get a medical redshirt, giving them a fifth year.

So while there's no definitive "most" or "usually" scenario, you might say that it's not uncommon for NFL players to delay degree completion until after their professional football career has begun or even concluded. The NCAA does also have a Degree Completion Award Program which provides funding to support athletes who left college early to pursue professional careers and are now seeking to return to complete their degrees.

In conclusion, it's a personal choice that depends on the individual player's circumstances, projected draft status, and the importance they place upon completing their education.