The Opportunity of a Lifetime

A thought occurred to me today. It may be the best idea I've ever had. You know how it's pretty much assumed that kids right out of high school would get broken into pieces if they went straight into the NFL? Well, with that being the case, wouldn't it be pretty cool if there was a place where they could go to hone their skills while their body matures? Wouldn't it be neat if that place offered world-class facilities along with the training and coaching necessary to prepare for a million dollar career as a professional football player? If I were a young kid with the hopes of playing in the NFL, I would pay to be able to go to a place like that. But, what if it was all free? Wouldn't that be amazing? What if they even gave them a place to stay? What if they also gave them the opportunity to learn and experience things they never would have otherwise? What if they had a shot at glory and the admiration of millions of loyal fans? If a place like that existed it would be the greatest thing to ever happen to kids with a dream of playing in the NFL. It's just a shame it doesn't...

For the most talented, the fact that it's really the only way to get the training and coaching necessary to get serious consideration by the NFL should be payment enough. For the others, without a chance of going pro, the education and experiences should make it worth it. If they think it's a corrupt system making billions while exploiting an unpaid workforce, then they don't have to be part of that workforce. Someone will gladly take their place. On the field and in the classroom.

Furthermore, if you think players should get paid because it will solve problems with recruiting and boosters, it won't do that either. Someone will always be willing to pay a little more and someone will always be willing to take it. But even worse, it would be giving up. It would be like getting rid of speed limits just because you know people speed. It would be admitting that people can't be honest and, even though it seems to have been proven time and time again, I'm still not ready to do that.