[fefifofu]

I'm not from US and it's always weird to watch NFL on TV and hear the pro players introduce themselves and their college: "Peyton Manning, Tennessee".

[jpindar]

The NFL doesn't require a college degree - it's just that playing college football is by far the best way to learn how to play professional football and to get noticed by the NFL teams.

Most college players don't go on to be successful in the NFL, but for those who do, college was a very good investment.

[flukus]

Is it even an investment? I thought most college football players were there on scholarships.

Or has TV warped my view?

[jpindar]

Oh, right. Most of them are on scholarships. But not all, at least not for their freshman year.

[KevinEldon]

College football is a huge institution and money maker. 100k attendees to college football games in the South Eastern US is a norm. It's like a minor league for the NFL. Most of the schools represented are excellent, but not necessarily academically better for general education or undergrad work.... Although being an alum in the region can be helpful in firming work.