The NFL Combine

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At this time of year, senior students are trying to answer the question, “What do I want to be when I grow up?” While finishing up our last semester here, we mail our resumes, answer the interview questions, and pray ceaselessly for businesses or graduate schools to give us that dream job. But what if this whole process was broadcasted nationally for all of America to see? What if one tiny mistake could be the difference between having the million dollar paycheck or living in our parents’ basement? That’s the risk for over 300 football players when they try out for the NFL at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. I had the opportunity to attend the event last week as a member of the media and witness one of the hardest job interviews any college student has to face today.

The NFL Scouting Combine has been called the Olympics of football. In four days, college football players are tested physically, psychologically, and socially in front of famous coaches, scouts, general managers, and owners to see whether they are worth the high investment and will help a team win a Super Bowl. These star college players are rushed in and out of medical examinations to microscopically assess every injury from their entire life, take psychological tests to measure their IQ and personality, answer questions from the media about why they should be drafted in early May, and finally, show off their athletic abilities through speed, strength, and position specific drills. In simplest terms, the players have sent in their resumes, game film from their college careers, to the NFL and NFL teams have invited them for an intense interview to see if any team wants to hire them.

This can’t be too bad especially since these players are going to make millions of dollars, right? But how many of you like to go to the doctor in the first place plus have camera follow you everywhere? Or have your IQ results revealed on ESPN and the NFL Network for all football fans to see?

As I watched all the press conferences in the podium room, the players no longer appeared like the football stars I watched on TV but like college students trying to successfully pass their job interviews. Some athletes were nervous and spoke very little, like Benardrick McKinney of Mississippi State. Others were loose and thrived in front of the camera like Dante Fowler of Florida. Leonard Williams, a giant from USC, told his story of how he mostly played rugby instead of football until high school. Malcolm Brown, a defensive linemen from Texas, talked about how important his wife and baby girl are to him. Denzel Perryman, a linebacker from the University of Miami, Florida, kindly addressed multiple journalists as they questioned his short height. Former Heisman trophy winner Jameis Winston confidently told the world how he compares himself to NFL legends Peyton Manning and Tom Brady, not to his college rival Marcus Mariota. Their life stories about family, football, and the future revealed the human element of the NFL; something not often seen since sports are more business than fun today.

So with all the flashing cameras, famous sports reporters, and fancy Under Armour gear, it’s easy for anyone to think of the NFL Combine as another bombastic football bonanza. But while most of us seniors are beginning our journeys for lifelong careers, most of these football players will only last on average about three seasons in the NFL. They are willing to jeopardize their bodies, minds, and social lives in front of the sports world for the hope of playing professional football. Their passion for football outweighs the risk of embarrassment and failure just like any other risky career decision. The NFL Combine is not so different from any other job interview for the college football players. But with so many people watching, it is impressive to see them answer each question with a smile.