Just The Facts: NFL Average Salaries

So you are a high school athlete and you say that you want to be an NFL football player? Then you better sit down and take a hard look at these facts:

• According to the NFL Players Association, about 100,000 high school students play football.
• Of those high school players, 215 will go on to play for an NFL team.
• Therefore, only 0.2 percent of all high school football players will make it to the NFL.
• About 9,000 players make it to the college level.
• If a player makes it to college about 310 of them will actually make it to the NFL draft.
• The NFL roster cap is 53 players and there are 32 teams, so there are 1,696 players in the NFL each season.

The NFL Players Association indicates that the average football player's career is only three seasons long. Most players do not have guaranteed contracts, and may find themselves suddenly out of work because they were cut or because of injury. Around 400 NFL players end their NFL careers each year.

While the NFL's big-name stars may earn millions each year, average NFL players do not. In 2010, the minimum wage was $325,000 a season for rookies, going up to $395,000 in a player's second year and $470,000 in their third year.

Some first and second round draft picks may make more than this, but most players entering the NFL out of college do not. The average player salary, with both stars and rookies taken into consideration, was $1.1 million in 2010.

Most rookies starting their first year in the NFL earn a relatively small salary compared with stars of the draft and established veterans. Rookies selected in the later rounds of the draft or those who enter the NFL as undrafted free agents typically make the league minimum.

It is difficult to gauge the average starting football salary in the NFL because the monster contracts of the top rookie draft selections skew the overall numbers. In 2008, the average guaranteed salary for first-round picks was nearly $12 million, while for second-round picks that number dropped to around
$2 million and for third-rounders the average was just $650,000 in guaranteed compensation.

According to the NFL Players Association, the average NFL player makes $1.1 million annually. The NFL Players Association is the union that represents all NFL players.

The NFL has a salary cap that limits the total amount teams can spend on all of their players in a given year. The reason for the cap is to prevent one team from gaining an unfair playing advantage by spending the most on the more prized players.

Each rookie in the NFL earned at least a base salary of $325,000 in 2010, according to USA Today. The base salary does not include any bonuses or money earned from endorsements or other sources. Bonuses, including signing bonuses and performance bonuses, are paid separately.

A first-year player's salary is comprised of three things: base salary, prorated signing bonus and "likely to be earned" bonuses. Other incentives written into a player's contract do not go toward a team's rookie salary pool figure. Each team's rookie salary pool figure changes yearly and in 2010 the
St. Louis Rams had the highest total rookie salary pool at $7,596,000.

In the past two NFL drafts the top players chosen have set new records for the highest paid rookie players in the league. In 2010, the Rams signed quarterback Sam Bradford to a contract worth a total of $78 million over six seasons, including $50 million in guaranteed money. The previous year, the Detroit Lions signed quarterback Matthew Stafford to what was then the highest rookie contract --- a six-year deal worth $72 million.

By contrast QB Cam Newton, the first pick of the 2012 NFL draft, signed a four year contract for a measly $22 million under the new NFL Collective Bargaining Agreement that went into effect this past year.

Top rookie salaries are not the norm in the league; many players only make the base salary. In a final tally of 2009 salaries, USA Today reported that rookies at each position in the league only earned the minimum salary and did not get bonuses. These players are usually low-round draft choices --- rounds four through seven --- and play for teams with low rookie salary pool figures.

Comments

[SlingBlade]

2 in a row

[SOUP]

Sling...U rock!

[LB]

Really good article.

[LB]

I notice that Duke Johnson is in continual communication with TH's mom.

[UMike]

LB..at least he is talking to the right person lol

[LB]

That's what I thought. Duke is nonstop. If he's half that way in training, I can only imagine the tenacity in the weight room.

[LB]

Listening to Tracy Howard on WQAM, it sounds like there actually may be a shot. Sounds honest.

[IraqiCane]

Great stuff thanks all for the updates. GO CANES!!!

[Hassan]

I think Howard gives us a 50/50 chance.

[Ohio_Cane]

Papa Cane - Recruiting Update: Coach Golden will be visiting 4-Stat Safety P.J. Williams this Thursday. In recruiting its never over until 2/1.

[CGNC]

j.w. - I haven't ridden in awhile - didn't even make it out there this past weekend due to the cold rainy days. He gets mad when he is neglected like that too - LOL

[Ohio_Cane]

Can someone tell me who @steadbound5 is on Twitter?

[Ohio_Cane]

^^^ This is him: https://twitter.com/#!/steadbound5

[Ohio_Cane]

Listening to Tracy Howard interview from Joe Rose Show this morning. Kid sounds like a smart and humble person. Definitely going into his UM visit with an open mind.

Would be amazing to get him to The U, but I'm still not holding my breath with him.

[Ohio_Cane]

Jon Bastian FREE article:

"Seven days outside of signing day, let's take another look at where UM recruits are at with their commitments. The range is from soft, solid and rock solid.

5 Star

Randy “Duke” Johnson, RB, 5-9, 180—Rock Solid. Solid as anyone has been to a program. This special talent acts as an ambassador to Miami and has done a lot to help the program before stepping foot on campus. It would be nice to have him as an EE, but that did not happen.

4 Star

Raphael Kirby, LB, 6-0, 210, On Campus. He was one many worried about because he is one of the most highly recruited athletes we had committed at the time. In all the recent interviews, he has been nothing but ‘Cane.

Jelani Hamilton, DE, 6-5, 265—Solid. Interesting case with Jelani Hamilton. He was said to be open even after his commitment. However, he had a season ending knee injury that could have ended many schools push for him.

Angelo Jean Louis, WR, 6-0, 180, Not EE—Solid. He loves Miami and has every intention of going there. The only thing to look out for here is his grades. Speculation that he has a low core and substandard test scores is looming.

Ereck Flowers, OT, 6-6, 300, On Campus. The teammate of Duke Johnson, Flowers was a great get for Miami. Watching his film for a minute, you can tell he has it all. He is just happy to have the process over with and is looking forward to moving on to the next level.

Malcolm Lewis, WR, 6-0, 180, Not EE—Solid. He has taken visits with teammate Tracy Howard, but hasn't changed his mind about The U. It is looking like the opportunity to play is winning and he will be a 'Cane at NSD.

Deon Bush, DB, 6-1, 185 –Solid. He just committed on national television. Due to the fact the other school that he was strongly considering filled up at the DB position, he isn’t going anywhere. He is a smart player who sees real opportunity at UM.

Tyriq McCord, DE, 6-3, 225—Solid. He openly said he is looking for a great broadcasting program which USC, his last official visit, has. The deciding factor seems to be location now, but you never know how he will react if/when he goes on his visit to USC. He pushed back his visit to USC which was supposed to happen on Jan. 20, so things are looking good for Miami.

Robert Lockhart, WR, 6-2, 185—Rock Solid. With the opportunity to play only an hour from home, Lockhart couldn’t pass it up. The Virginia Tech coaches might not be happy with him at the moment, but I know the Miami coaching staff has to be.

3 Star

Gray Crow, QB, 6-3, 220, On Campus. He has spent a lot of his (parents) own money going to multiple Al Golden camps even after he committed. Add that with the fact he doesn’t have many offers besides the ‘Canes, he is ours.

Preston Dewey, QB, 6-3, 200, On Campus. He has been nothing but Cane since he committed. The ‘Canes are his biggest offer and he has already developed a great relationship with OC Jedd Fisch.

David Thompson, QB, 6-2, 195, Not EE (Baseball)—Solid. Baseball is the only really concern here. The coaches want him to come in early, but he is set on playing his senior baseball season. Baseball one and football zero so far. Let’s hope baseball doesn’t win over football again at the next level.

Reggie Northrup, LB, 6-2, 215,—Soft. With new colleges coming at him recently, it seems like we will have to fight for this one. FSU and Ohio State are both making late runs at him. Originally supposed to be an EE, he is taking more time to look around.

Josh Witt, LB, 6-2, 210, On Campus. He is looking forward to coming in and getting playing time. His teammate, OL Danny Isidora is a ‘Cane commit as well. No worries here.

Larry Hope, DB, 6-0, 165 —On Campus. He sees the opportunity to get on the field early and doesn’t want to pass it up. Last reported, he was working hard to enroll early, but that is still work-in-progress.

Nate Dortch, DB, 6-1, 168, Not EE—Solid. Since Dortch committed back in August, there has been little talk of him looking around.

Vernon Davis, DB, 5-10, 170, Not EE—Solid. Another early commit, Davis has been solid to the ‘Canes for a while. Playing for Miami was his childhood dream and since his commitment, other colleges have backed off.

Herb Waters, WR, 6-1, 170, Not EE—Solid. After taking visits, he has done the opposite of what a lot of commits do, he reaffirmed his commitment. He is now solid and 100 percent Miami.

D’Mauri Jones, WR, 6-4, 195, Not EE—Solid. Expected to stick especially with the early exit of Miami wide receiver Tommy Streeter. He is built similarly to Streeter and will hop on the opportunity to play. “I’m The U all the way.”

Jontavious Carter, WR, 6-4, 200, Not EE—Solid. He has never said anything but good things about UM. He is a well-built kid, who like D’Mauri Jones, is excited to have the opportunity to play early. He recently took his official visit and loved it. Also, while on his official he was trying to recruit a couple other uncommitted prospects.

Dwayne Hoilett, DE, 6-3, 215, EE—On Campus. Hoilett committed to the ‘Canes after an Al Golden camp and never looked back. After much deliberation, he decided to enroll early at.

Jake O’Donnell, DE, 6-6, 230—Solid. While O’Donnell does have other opportunities to play closer to him in Pennsylvania, he is thrilled to be coming to Miami according to sources close to him.

Taylor Gadbois, OT, 6-8, 300, On Campus. This is a prep school kid who has a lot of talent and chose Miami out of many other schools. He is set to arrive this month and will likely make an early impact. His teammate, WR Robert Lockhart, just committed to the ‘Canes as well.

Brandon Holifield, TE, 6’5, 215, Not EE—Soft. A backup tight end at Godby HS, Holifield has been quiet as far as his commitment status is concerned at Miami. He has some other offers, but football wise, Miami is his top one. So, unless some other top schools come into the picture, he should be a ‘Cane at the end of the day. After talking with CaneInsider.com, he said it will be a national signing day decision. With that being said, there has to be other factors in play he is not saying.

Earl Moore, DT, 6-2, 280—Solid. While he still has many opportunities to play elsewhere, Moore shutdown his recruitment after he committed.

Rayshawn Jenkins, DB, 6-2, 185, Not EE—Rock Solid. He isn’t going anywhere.

Gabriel Terry, DE, 6-3, 215, Spring—Solid. Since committing around Thanksgiving, there hasn’t been any indication to why he wouldn’t be in this class. Miami is his top offer and it is close to his new home, Wellington (Fla.).

Danny Dillard, RB, 6'2, 205, Not EE, Solid. The only thing that would draw Dillard away would be the opportunity to play with his two teammates OL Forrest Lamp and OL Omari Phillips. Their offers never matched up, and when the ‘Canes offered, Dillard jumped on the opportunity.

LaDarius Gunter, DB, 6-2, 200, On Campus. A JUCO lockdown corner who committed to Miami over his other offer, Indiana. He is supposed to be on campus soon, so it is safe to say he isn’t going anywhere.

Jacoby Briscoe, DT, 6-4, 290, Not EE—Solid. Miami is his “dream school.” He committed to them on the spot and said he will be coming to Coral Gables as soon as possible. Which for him, means regular time. He is trying to figure out if he will take any other visits, once he decides either way, his status will change. If he decides to visit Tennessee, he will be moved to a soft commit. He took his visit last weekend to Miami and loved everything about it. It will be a big shock if he doesn't sign with Miami.

Danny Isidora, OL, 6-3, 330—Solid. A quiet kid who knows the true meaning of commitment, Isidora is a hometown athlete. He has good values and is a ‘Cane. It helps that his teammate LB Josh Witt is committed as well."

*Not EE = not enrolling early
**EE = Early Enrollee

[Ohio_Cane]

NFL "Any Era" team: #13, Ed Reed

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/7403675/no-13-ravens-s-ed-reed

Got to imagine Ray Lewis will be there, probably close to the top of the list. They're going from 20 down to 1.

[3G Cane]

Can someone tell me who @steadbound5 is on Twitter?

Posted by: Ohio_Cane
-----
Herb Waters

[Ohio_Cane]

Gotcha, thanks. He sent me a msg saying he'd be at UM this weekend.

[Hassan]

Former UM commit Jeremy Davis signed with UCF as a mid year enrollee. He is the half brother of former cane Phillip Buchannon. I thought he was very talented but he had to go to Milfort prep but I am surprised Golden choose to stop recruiting him.

[Hassan]

Does anyone else think Kenny Kadji is rpetty good? I actually think he will make a better pro prospect then college. His game translates well to the pro's. He is like a bigger Ryan Anderson

[Texascane]

"When people say "the only difference between us and (so-and-so) is they have a good quarterback and we don't." Well, that's like saying the only difference between that Ferrari and my car is the engine. It is a very big deal. You're not talking about a tight end or a SAM linebacker." Bruce Feldman

I think we better worry about this position more than anything else...

Except for about four games when Jacory as a sophomore was playing lights out, we haven't had a serviceable QB or been a relevant team, since Brock Berlin...that's scary and we better find a good one fast or we don't have to worry about how many DT's and CB's we have...

I would trade Goldman,Howard and Duke Johnson for a young Matt Barkley or Andrew Luck or Landry Jones...some of these teams have two or three really good ones on their roster, can't we just have one?

[Ohio_Cane]

We're gonna have Greg Olsen's little bro after this year! Lol

[j.w.]

CGNC- I got lucky, beautiful day out here and even though it's a little muddy, we are on for today!
I didn't hear the interview, and don't want to get too excited, but could it be that we actually beat out everyone for Tracy Howard? Wow, great work AG, hope it pays off.
Got to see the bball win last night (the second half at least). They actually looked good against G Tech. I still don't know what to make of this team, but a win is a win, and the team looks like they believe in what Laranaga is selling, so maybe they can get hot and we'll see what happens in early march.

[UpNorthCane27]

Ohio i mightve struck out with all of my predicitions but i think my prediction of Tracy howard will come true for the Canes man......

NSD is getting closer and i will be here at work following your posts and info man i gotchu bro!!!

[UMike]

Gray Crow, QB, 6-3, 220, On Campus. He has spent a lot of his (parents) own money going to multiple Al Golden camps even after he committed. Add that with the fact he doesn’t have many offers besides the ‘Canes, he is ours.

That says A LOT lol...welcome scout team QB lol

[UpNorthCane27]

Lol be careful what you say about Gary Crow his hardwork and some actual coaching might make a difference...Im just saying

[herbieibis]

Soup I like that rocking chair joke, clever.LOL! You'll be joining me when we can't stop anybody, along with our cousins, Moan & Groan.
Speaking on Howard, I read at one point he did want to leave the state but has since backed off that and it's down to the 3 Flo. schools, with us being in 3RD place. At one point I think it was all about Flo. but with FSU recruiting a Juggernaut on Defense this year, I wouldn't be surprised if they didn't scoop him. I'd eat a whole bag of crow if I'm wrong.

[UpNorthCane27]

Well herbie get ready to cook yourself a baf of Crow because Howard will be a cane when its all said and done my man....

by the way do people really eat crow? and if so how does it taste?

[Ohio_Cane]

Ohio i mightve struck out with all of my predicitions but i think my prediction of Tracy howard will come true for the Canes man......

Posted by: UpNorthCane | January 25, 2012 at 12:22 PM
----------------------------------------

Believe me, I really hope U are right. Do yourself a favor tho, and don't hold your breath. Seriously.

[Ohio_Cane]

Papa Cane - Per @CaneSport Reggie Northrup's dad said that his son is still committed to Miami and nothing has changed. They are tired of the madness.

[Ohio_Cane]

Papa Cane - Video: Get To Know 5-Star CB Tracy Howard - Coaches, teammates and family discuss. http://ow.ly/1EMRIS

[herbieibis]

Yeah, PaPa Northrup is tired of people bashing his son for taking visits. It's okay for everyone else to take visits but him. He even said the "U" coaches wanted to know why he went to visit FSU. I haven't heard any firmness from him on his verbal and since FSU was his favorite team growing up I can see where they're might be a concern.
I hear you Texas, on the QB concerns. We've been very average at the position for a minute but we have ourselves a good O-Coordinator, who I think can help these dudes out. We need an efficient QB, something along the lines of my all time favorite "U" qb Steve Walsh! That son of a gun had ice water in his veins!

[Willie Will in Nashville]

I didn't know that we have so many db's committed

[LB]

You really think we grab Olsen for 2013? That's a long way away.

Completely agree about the QB comment. Brock Berlin was downright frightening when he was in the zone (ask the Gators).

Ryan Williams!

[Hassan]

Lol be careful what you say about Gary Crow his hardwork and some actual coaching might make a difference...Im just saying

Posted by: UpNorthCane | January 25, 2012 at 12:25 PM

I agree, Six was not high on him and I also agree with 6, but a certain OL coach told me that Crow was a straight A kid and worked very hard, you know Crow has a good frame on him and he is smart and works hard, he is already enrolled going through Utough and will go through spring, He might be a 3 star now but who knows by the time he is ready to challenge for a spot in 18-24 months he could be much more advanced.

Berlin was really good in the shot gun, he was soo short though a 3 step drop and he was throwing it in the the OL heads lol

[herbieibis]

Willie, We need more than the 6 cb's we have verballed

[[email protected]@ne]

That son of a gun had ice water in his veins!

Thats what she said..lol

[Ohio_Cane]

Duke Johnson to Deon Bush - go get ridcardo....

LOVE THIS KID!!

[Ohio_Cane]

S Fla HS Sports - We just spoke with Miami Beach WR Ricardo Louis who says he has re-opened his commitment. Still between Auburn and FSU. Wanted out of Miami.

[Six]

UpNorth - love your optimism my man, seems unwavering

Just can't see it with Crow though. Just can't

Absolutely agree with Texascane though, when are the Canes going to have a QB that you can basically just say (without lying to yourself) "he's got this, not even worried"

Berlin was 5-0 against UiF and FSU. Kid had brain farts that translated onto the field during his career no doubt, but he's been the last QB the Canes have had that was above average. I still get cold sweats thinking about Kirby Freeman being a starting QB at Miami

Crow, Thompson - why are they on scholarship? Thompson is a dirt dog, probably go to MLB

I'm willing to lay down $$ neither one moves past either Dewey or Williams

[Six]

CGNC - a lot of boys, 2 legged/4 legged/no legged, get mad when they're neglected by girls

[3G Cane]

The most important positions in college football are QB and DT. We've been bereft of ballers at both spots for some time now. Heres to hoping we find/have found what we need!!!

[3G Cane]

S Fla HS Sports - We just spoke with Miami Beach WR Ricardo Louis who says he has re-opened his commitment. Still between Auburn and FSU. Wanted out of Miami.

Posted by: Ohio_Cane
------
That was quick! Auburn must of made a considerable counter offer.

[herbieibis]

Ain't nothing in Auburn, Ala.

[Ohio_Cane]

Florida head coach Will Muschamp is visiting Palm Beach Gardens OL Avery Young tonight at home.

UGA head coach Mark Richt was at Palm Beach Gardens this morning.

Auburn OC Scot Loeffler will visit Avery Young at PBGardens tomorrow with OL coach Jeff Grimes and WR coach Trooper Taylor

Finally, #Canes head coach Al Golden and OL coach Art Kehoe will visit Avery Young tomorrow afternoon at Palm Beach Gardens.

Any schools want that kid? LOL

[pre83]

The most important positions in college football are QB and DT. We've been bereft of ballers at both spots for some time now. Heres to hoping we find/have found what we need!!!

Posted by: 3G Cane | January 25, 2012 at 03:14 PM

While I agree this holds true much more often than not, the most recent BCS title game between Alabama & LSU certainly was void of quality QB's.

Both teams' Defenses were stellar, especially the D-lines - the QB's, not so much.

On the QB topic - the U's title teams had well above avg QB's on each team, no doubt. I am hoping for much more from that position for 2012!!

Oh, speaking of QB's from the U - On the most popular sports talk show in Minneapolis where I live, a weekly guest on the show is Corey Chaveous, former NFL D-back and now runs a website called DraftNasty.com. Anyway, he was calling in from the Senior Bowl and was asked to mention some of the players that impressed him the most so far. One of the names he mentioned was Jacory Harris. No joke! He did not elaborate on exactly what impressed him, but perhaps the Vermeil comments were quoted accurately. I hope Jacory finds success in NFL.

[Ohio_Cane]

Holiett officially a Cane!!

[LB]

Keep those EE's coming!

[Ohio_Cane]

1 more I believe, LB. Should be CB Larry Hope.

[j.w.]

Is that 9 total, Ohio? Great start to the year.