I Hate Being Asked This Question
Why chasing NFL Player Engagement can blind you to bigger opportunities in player development
Every time I’m asked “How do I get into an NFL player engagement role?” I pause. Not because it’s a bad question, but because it reveals something deeper about how we see impact in athlete development.
Let’s be clear: wanting to work in the NFL is a valid goal. It’s the highest level, and opportunities there come with prestige. But here’s the reality: there are only 32 teams and roughly 70 total roles. People rarely leave these jobs, and when they do, hundreds of candidates line up. Last year, the NFL Player Engagement webinar had over 500+ attendees competing for just a handful of openings.
So what does that mean for you?
It means three things:
The seats are limited. Odds are slim, not because you aren’t talented, but because the math doesn’t add up.
There are more doors than you realize. College athletics, across sports, are opening roles every year. Many NFL staffers started in college development.
Logos don’t create impact. A shield or emblem might open a door, but it doesn’t guarantee influence. Impact happens because of the work you do, not the brand you carry.
The truth? You don’t need an NFL logo to make a difference. Impact is built in every conversation, every program, and every athlete you serve. Beyond The Field was created without an NFL, NBA, or NCAA logo behind it — and yet it continues to shape thousands of athletes through community, curriculum, and conversation.
So the next time you think about player development, don’t just ask, “How do I get to the NFL?” Ask instead:
👉🏾 “How can I create impact where I am right now?”
That shift will open more doors than you can imagine.
And if you still want to go deeper? My NFL Player Engagement Study podcast episode breaks it all down with stats, career paths, and strategies.
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