Nfl Cleats
 |
US $38.99
It Pays to Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys or Giants or Eagles or Redskins
NFL Draft Season is now upon us and if you're a pro football fan you already know about the widespread speculation about where your favorite players are going to plying their trade on Sundays, Mondays, and Thursdays and, if they're lucky, the weekends in January and February after their college seasons were over.
If you're a pro football fan, you've also listened to analysts discuss the odds of players making it to the big leagues; the lower you're drafted, the worse they get. You've also heard what it takes to get on the field with most teams; talent and fit are the most obvious qualities, though some franchises place a premium on character. In this sense, the NFL is no different from any other business that hires entry level workers.
Each college season, there are between 15 and 25 seniors, and a much smaller number of juniors who played football at 120 Division 1 schools, as well as seniors who have similar talents, but played at lower levels of competition. A "best guess," is that there are 3,000 young men who played college football last season who have completed or relinquished their college eligibility and would like to play in the pros. Their resumes are their game films, statistics and workout results from a scouting combine and college pro days. Those who are serious about playing on get at least one chance to impress at a pro day and the big schools often invite athletes from smaller schools to come to their sites to try out.
Those 3,000 young men compete for 256 spots in the NFL draft; there are seven rounds of 32 teams, plus 32 supplemental picks that have been awarded to teams that lost players to free agency. Each team also signs rookie free agents, also called "street free agents" after the draft. And I haven't considered openings in the Canadian Football League and Arena Football. But it's safe to say that a player who is in the upper 10 percent at their position will get at least a tryout in a pro camp if they want it.
I look at the numbers and wonder if the odds of success are that bad. A good college football player who consistently plays well at a high level of competition has a better chance of getting a shot at the pros than, for instance, a business or engineering major who wants to work for the Ford Motor Company.
According to data collected by CollegeGrad, an entry-level job site, Ford expects to have 300 entry-level hires this year. No doubt they will get more than 3,000 applicants for those jobs through on-campus recruitment and their Web site. Those who have spent some time as interns at Ford will have an edge, just as those who played for the major football powers have a better chance of being invited to turn pro. But there are over 300,000 business majors, and close to 120,000 computer science and engineering majors and the most desired companies are more likely to pursue the top fraction of one percent.
I like the odds for the football player much better.
I know that NFL also stands for "Not For Long." Every player has to hang up the helmet and cleats at some point, but that's no different than other fields. If you've read this far you probably know of many people who are not working at the same profession they did after college, even if they didn't continue their education.
The difference is that smart football players who stay healthy have a chance to build a nest egg at a very early age to help them move on to the next station in their working life. The smart players are the ones who don't expect to fall back on their glory days to land the next job - and we don't read enough about them in the sports pages. We always read about the first-round talent who hooked up with undesirables and lived beyond his means before losing it all; that makes great copy, but it hardly applies to everyone who plays the game.
(Originally published at Educated Quest blog and reprinted with permission of the author, Stuart Nachbar).
About the Author
Contact Stuart Nachbar at
Educated Quest
, a blog on education politics, policy and technology or read about his first book, The Sex Ed Chronicle, a novel on education and politics in 1980 New Jersey, at
Sex Ed Chronicles
.
|
|
Reebok Men's NFL U-FORM 4SPD L SD4 Football Cleats $55 Stand out for all the right reasons in the NFL U-FORM 4SPD L M4 cleats. From the iconic brand Reebok these football cleats provide hard-core protection in a sleek exterior that also looks good while working hard. |
|
|
Reebok Men's NFL U-FORM 4SPD L M4 Football Cleats $56.45 Stand out for all the right reasons in the NFL U-FORM 4SPD L M4 cleats. From the iconic brand Reebok these football cleats provide hard-core protection in a sleek exterior that also looks good while working hard. |
|
|
Keyshawn Johnson Autographed Game Used Cleats $500 Hand signed game used cleats of NFL All-Pro wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson. Signed while with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. |
|
|
Michael Vick Signed Game-Used Nike Cleats Falcons $1002 Michael Vick Signed Game-Used Nike Cleats Falcons This pair of game-used Nike football cleats were hand-signed by Michael Vick. The cleats were worn in a game against the Philadelphia Eagles on December 31st, 2006. This was the last game Michael played as an Atlanta Falcon and in that game finished with 1,039 yards rushing for the year. He also set the NFL record for yards per carry with 8.45. Both cleats are signed. This pair of cleats are accompanied by a letter of authenticity from that Michael hand-signed verifying the authenticity of the cleats, and also authorizing the private sale of the cleats. Both the cleats and letter will also have the Michael Vick hologram which is present on all Michael Vick authentic autographed items. had the exlusive autograph contract with Michael during the time the cleats were signed. The signing was witnessed by , and the cleats will come with a 4x6 photo of Michael signing the exact cleats. |
|
|
Reebok Men's NFL VIZ U-FORM Electrify D4 Football Cleats $52.25 The NFL is calling, are you ready to show your pro-athletic skills? Introduce your talents to the technological awesomeness that will Electrify your performance play after play. This Reebok cleat features a perforated leather upper that is breathable and lightweight. A custom sole is ready to grip the terrain. |
|
|
Reebok NFL Low D Athletic Cleats Shoes - Mens $39.99 Brand & Style - Reebok NFL Low D Width - Medium (D, M) True Color - Wht/Blk Upper Material - Leather Outsole Material - Man-Made Shaft and Description - Stud measures 0.6" Heel Height - Low (3/4" to 1 1/2") Style Description - The Reebok NFL Low D shoes feature a leather upper with a round toe. The man-made outsole lends lasting traction and wear. Made in China. Brand: Reebok Type: Athletic & Outdoor Color: WHT/BLK Occasion: Sport Material: Leather Upper and Man-Made Outsole Age Group: Adult Gender: Male Condition: New |
|
|
Reebok Men's 'NFL Low D' Black/White Cleats (Size 13.5) $76.9 Brand: ReebokColor options: BlackStyle: NFL Low DSole: Man-MadeModel: NFL Low DThe Reebok NFL Low D shoes feature a leather upper with a round toe. The man-made outsole lends lasting traction and wear. Made in China. |
|
|
Speedplay Snap-Shim Cleats $39.99 Speedplay Snap-Shim Cleats. |
|
|
LOOK Ko Cleats $19.99 LOOK Ko Cleats. Replacement cleats for LOOK Ko road bike pedals. |
|
|
Tennessee Titans NFL Repair Tool & Ball Marker $17.52 Tennessee Titans NFL Repair Tool & Ball Marker Repairs ball marks; marks your ball and cleans turf from golf cleats. Ball marker easily attaches to the magnetic front of the repair tool. |
|
|
Washington Redskins NFL Repair Tool & Ball Marker $17.52 Washington Redskins NFL Repair Tool & Ball Marker Repairs ball marks; marks your ball and cleans turf from golf cleats. Ball marker easily attaches to the magnetic front of the repair tool. |
|
|
Houston Texans NFL Repair Tool & Ball Marker $17.52 Houston Texans NFL Repair Tool & Ball Marker Repairs ball marks; marks your ball and cleans turf from golf cleats. Ball marker easily attaches to the magnetic front of the repair tool. |
|
|
Arizona Cardinals NFL Repair Tool & Ball Marker $17.52 Arizona Cardinals NFL Repair Tool & Ball Marker Repairs ball marks; marks your ball and cleans turf from golf cleats. Ball marker easily attaches to the magnetic front of the repair tool. |
|
|
Atlanta Falcons NFL Repair Tool & Ball Marker $17.52 Atlanta Falcons NFL Repair Tool & Ball Marker Repairs ball marks; marks your ball and cleans turf from golf cleats. Ball marker easily attaches to the magnetic front of the repair tool. |
|
|
Baltimore Ravens NFL Repair Tool & Ball Marker $17.52 Baltimore Ravens NFL Repair Tool & Ball Marker Repairs ball marks; marks your ball and cleans turf from golf cleats. Ball marker easily attaches to the magnetic front of the repair tool. |
|
|
Buffalo Bills NFL Repair Tool & Ball Marker $17.52 Buffalo Bills NFL Repair Tool & Ball Marker Repairs ball marks; marks your ball and cleans turf from golf cleats. Ball marker easily attaches to the magnetic front of the repair tool. |
|
|
Carolina Panthers NFL Repair Tool & Ball Marker $17.52 Carolina Panthers NFL Repair Tool & Ball Marker Repairs ball marks; marks your ball and cleans turf from golf cleats. Ball marker easily attaches to the magnetic front of the repair tool. |
|
|
Chicago Bears NFL Repair Tool & Ball Marker $17.52 Chicago Bears NFL Repair Tool & Ball Marker Repairs ball marks; marks your ball and cleans turf from golf cleats. Ball marker easily attaches to the magnetic front of the repair tool. |
|
|
Cincinnati Bengals NFL Repair Tool & Ball Marker $17.52 Cincinnati Bengals NFL Repair Tool & Ball Marker Repairs ball marks; marks your ball and cleans turf from golf cleats. Ball marker easily attaches to the magnetic front of the repair tool. |
|
|
Cleveland Browns NFL Repair Tool & Ball Marker $17.52 Cleveland Browns NFL Repair Tool & Ball Marker Repairs ball marks; marks your ball and cleans turf from golf cleats. Ball marker easily attaches to the magnetic front of the repair tool. |
|
|
Dallas Cowboys NFL Repair Tool & Ball Marker $17.52 Dallas Cowboys NFL Repair Tool & Ball Marker Repairs ball marks; marks your ball and cleans turf from golf cleats. Ball marker easily attaches to the magnetic front of the repair tool. |
|
|
Denver Broncos NFL Repair Tool & Ball Marker $17.52 Denver Broncos NFL Repair Tool & Ball Marker Repairs ball marks; marks your ball and cleans turf from golf cleats. Ball marker easily attaches to the magnetic front of the repair tool. |
|
|
Indianapolis Colts NFL Repair Tool & Ball Marker $17.52 Indianapolis Colts NFL Repair Tool & Ball Marker Repairs ball marks; marks your ball and cleans turf from golf cleats. Ball marker easily attaches to the magnetic front of the repair tool. |
|
|
Jacksonville Jaguars NFL Repair Tool & Ball Marker $17.52 Jacksonville Jaguars NFL Repair Tool & Ball Marker Repairs ball marks; marks your ball and cleans turf from golf cleats. Ball marker easily attaches to the magnetic front of the repair tool. |
|
|
Miami Dolphins NFL Repair Tool & Ball Marker $17.52 Miami Dolphins NFL Repair Tool & Ball Marker Repairs ball marks; marks your ball and cleans turf from golf cleats. Ball marker easily attaches to the magnetic front of the repair tool. |
|
|
Minnesota Vikings NFL Repair Tool & Ball Marker $17.52 Minnesota Vikings NFL Repair Tool & Ball Marker Repairs ball marks; marks your ball and cleans turf from golf cleats. Ball marker easily attaches to the magnetic front of the repair tool. |
|
|
Oakland Raiders NFL Repair Tool & Ball Marker $17.52 Oakland Raiders NFL Repair Tool & Ball Marker Repairs ball marks; marks your ball and cleans turf from golf cleats. Ball marker easily attaches to the magnetic front of the repair tool. |
|
|
Philadelphia Eagles NFL Repair Tool & Ball Marker $17.52 Philadelphia Eagles NFL Repair Tool & Ball Marker Repairs ball marks; marks your ball and cleans turf from golf cleats. Ball marker easily attaches to the magnetic front of the repair tool. |
|
|
Pittsburgh Steelers NFL Repair Tool & Ball Marker $17.52 Pittsburgh Steelers NFL Repair Tool & Ball Marker Repairs ball marks; marks your ball and cleans turf from golf cleats. Ball marker easily attaches to the magnetic front of the repair tool. |
|
|
Seattle Seahawks NFL Repair Tool & Ball Marker $17.52 Seattle Seahawks NFL Repair Tool & Ball Marker Repairs ball marks; marks your ball and cleans turf from golf cleats. Ball marker easily attaches to the magnetic front of the repair tool. |
|
|
Mr Potato Head Nfl Minnesota Vikings $14.99 *Each character comes with a choice of stick-on facial features, conveniently stored in a back pocket. *The officially licensed NFL spud is dressed in a team jersey, cleats, and a helmet, carrying a football *Comes with two interchangeable faces |
|
|
A Soccer Player's Muddy Cleats $24.99 A Soccer Player's Muddy Cleats - Photographic Print |
|
|
Mavic 0 Road Cleats $19.99 Mavic 0 Road Cleats. Replacement cleats with minimal float for Mavic road bike pedals. |
|
|
Mavic 7 Road Cleats $19.99 Mavic 7 Road Cleats. Replacement cleats with a high degree of float for Mavic road bike pedals. |
|
|
Fort Replacement Cleats $12.99 Fort Replacement Cleats. Replacement bicycle cleats for the Fort Campus and Carve pedal system. |
|
|
Fort Pro Replacement Cleats $14.99 Fort Pro Replacement Cleats. Replacement cleats for the Fort Pro and RC-7 road bike pedal systems. |
|
|
Jorge Posada Game Used Cleats $1002 Jorge Posada Game Used Cleats Jorge Posada Game Used Cleats |
|
|
Green Bay Packers NFL Repair Tool & Ball Marker $17.52 Green Bay Packers NFL Repair Tool & Ball Marker Repairs ball marks; marks your ball and cleans turf from golf cleats. Ball marker easily attaches to the magnetic front of the repair tool. |