How to Get a Job in the NFL & Make a Career Out of Your Passion for Football

The National Football League (NFL) is the largest sports league globally, raking in an annual revenue of over $18 billion and drawing an average of 17.3 million viewers per game. With so much excitement and prestige, it’s no surprise that candidates seeking sports industry jobs may wonder how to get a job in the NFL. After all, what sports fan wouldn’t want to pursue a career that gives them a front row seat to all the action and allows them to rub shoulders with some of the best athletes and coaches in the world?

Today, the NFL employs over 6,000 people, with its 32 franchises (teams) employing hundreds more apiece. Landing one of these coveted NFL jobs is as fiercely competitive as the league itself, and requires the right blend of passion, preparation, and professional networking.

Types of Jobs in the NFL

The typical sports fan may think of careers in the NFL revolving around players, coaches, trainers, and everyone you see on the sidelines during a game. However, NFL football jobs comprise a variety of positions, including many behind-the-scenes roles that are critical to the league’s success. Here are a few examples of types of jobs in the NFL.

• Operations Jobs: Operations roles support the day-to-day activities of a team and/or the league, including event coordination, travel logistics, and player management. Sample job titles: Team Operations Coordinator, Player Personnel Manager, and Stadium Operations Manager.
• Sales & Marketing Jobs: The NFL and its franchises need experts in sponsorship, advertising, fan engagement, and brand development. Sample job titles: Ticket Sales Manager, Account Executive, and Brand Marketing Manager.
• Media & Public Relations Jobs: The NFL relies heavily on media to reach its fanbase, so careers in broadcasting, journalism, content creation, and social media management are common paths. Sample job titles: Communications Manager, Digital Content Creator, and Social Media Manager.
• Business, Finance & Administration Jobs: Behind the glamour are the people who manage budgets, contracts, and all business operations across the NFL. Sample job titles: Business Development Manager, Salary Cap Analyst, and Accountant.
• Legal & Compliance Jobs: The NFL and its teams require legal professionals to handle contracts, player disputes, compliance issues, and intellectual property rights. Sample job titles: Contract Analyst, General Counsel, and Compliance Manager.

Experience & Skills Needed to Work in the NFL

Most NFL jobs require a college degree, and majors in sports management, business, communications, or related fields are especially valuable. Roles in medical, legal, and specialized areas typically require advanced degrees.

The skills needed for an NFL job vary depending on the role you are pursuing – for example, positions in media might require knowledge of certain video editing software. But due to the fast-paced nature of professional sports, it’s safe to say that a majority of positions require strong skills in communication, teamwork, organization, and adaptability.

Lastly, you don’t need to have played football or have won your fantasy league’s championship to work in the NFL, but understanding the game and its culture is essential. In fact, it’s common to see NFL job postings specify that the ideal candidate must be a “fan of the NFL!”

Networking: Your Ticket to a Job in the NFL

By its very nature, the sports industry is well connected. Therefore, networking is one of the best tactics for getting a job in the NFL. Consider this advice for growing your professional network:

• Attend NFL Events: Going to NFL games, combines, drafts, and other events allows you to meet people who already work in the league. These environments provide opportunities to make a lasting impression and build relationships.
• Leverage LinkedIn & Social Media: Use LinkedIn to connect with people working in the NFL or related industries. Reach out for informational interviews or advice; many professionals are open to helping aspiring NFL employees, especially if you’re respectful and show genuine interest.
• Connect With Alumni: If you attended a college with a strong sports program, tap into your alumni network. Many universities have connections to the NFL through their football programs, and alumni working in the industry may be willing to guide you.
• Join Professional Associations: Organizations like the Sports Lawyers Association (SLA), College Sports Communicators (CSC), the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA), and other sports management networks can provide valuable connections. They hold conferences, seminars, and events where you can mingle with industry insiders.

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Start Small to Make It to the Big League

Aside from networking, getting a job in the NFL may require willingness and humility to start at the bottom and work your way up – odds are that you aren’t going to immediately step into a high-profile role with your favorite team. Starting with an entry-level position, even if it’s not your dream job, can help you gain experience and prove your dedication to growing your career.

Internships are one of the best ways to get your foot in the door. In fact, the NFL offers several internship programs for students and recent graduates. Providing real-world, hands-on experience, NFL internships span departments like marketing, media relations, operations, and team management. Internships with sports agencies and media companies are also excellent springboards for your career – you’ll gain insights into player representation, contracts, and the business side of the game, all of which are relevant to working in the NFL.

Working with sports teams or leagues at the local, high school, college, or semi-pro levels can also establish your foundation for an NFL job. You’ll gain direct experience in the sports industry, begin building your reputation in the football community, and foster meaningful connections that can help you make the jump to the NFL.

Some of these roles may be seasonal or temporary as they align with sports schedules – for example, a Game Day Operations Coordinator for a college football team may only work during the late summer and fall. The hours can be long and for modest pay, but the experience you gain can pay off in the long run.

Showcase Sports Passion & Knowledge in the Hiring Process

When searching for careers in the NFL, follow the same best practices for applying for jobs in any industry. Most importantly, tailor your resume and cover letter for the position you’re pursuing to make it past applicant tracking systems – ensure your resume contains the keywords that match those in the job description and be specific about your experience and how it aligns with the role.

Highlight your passion for football and demonstrate your knowledge of the NFL in your cover letter and in your interview – be ready to discuss football topics, trends, and nuances about the league, its operations, and its culture to stand out from other applicants.

And, as with any other job application, follow up with hiring managers, thank your interviewers, and respond to rejection with grace and gratitude – even if you don’t get the job, you may very well be top-of-mind for a future position if you’ve made a good impression on the employer.

Where to Find NFL Job Openings

You can find the latest NFL job openings – plus thousands of other sports industry roles – on WorkInSports. Be sure to set up job alert emails so you can be one of the first to apply for one of these competitive positions. Remember that thousands of people apply for a limited number of openings, so being persistent and proactive pays off.

Need more sports career advice? Browse our Job Seeker Resource Center for tips and tricks for gaining a competitive advantage as you apply for jobs in the NFL.