Expert: Thom Brooks - 2/4/2008

Question
Hi I'm writing you to ask about the possibilities of a position in the NFL. I have not played college ball due to finances but want to be a pro football player badly. I'm not just wasting your time either, I'm 6'4 275, bench 225 42 times, run a 4.6 40, and I'm extremely athletic. I just don't know the best avenue for me to take to get a tryout or anything to get my foot in the door.If you could please help me I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks

Answer
Eric, hello!

You need to contact the NFL scouts.  The teams will not allow you to walk on for a tryout like they did decades ago.  We are more computerized now, so you will have to rely on eyeball contact with a Scout.  Start by writing to any and/or all the teams.  Tell them what you seek.  

If you know anyone that has played in the NFL, including your local high school football association officials, you need to be in touch with them immediately.  Contact your local sports director for your nearest TV stations and radio stations.  They have connections to get you noticed.  

I do not know your age, but you may have to enroll in Junior College, or Div-1, Div-2 or Div-3 schools in order to get a record.  If you do not play college ball, you may consider YMCA, or the nearest semi-pro teams, or indoor arena football.  If you put up some quality numbers, some NFL team may take a look at you!  

What an honor and dream if you could make it to the National Football League!  You have chosen an incredibly tough road.  Only a few men have ever made it that high, and thousands have tried.  

Let me know your progress.  It would be a happy story to see you make it.

Take care,

Thom Brooks