The National Football League is facing a challenge it never anticipated: young players showing up with a sense of entitlement, fueled by millions earned before stepping onto a professional field.
The introduction of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals in 2021 changed college athletics forever. Elite college athletes now sign multimillion-dollar contracts, often years before they ever play in the NFL. While this financial windfall has transformed opportunities for student-athletes, it has also created unforeseen consequences for professional football.
Giants rookie running back Cam Skattebo recently spoke candidly about the shift, warning that NIL wealth has altered the mindset of incoming rookies. “Players used to show up hungry after years of getting nothing in college. Now they roll into training camp having made more money than some veteran backups,” Skattebo said.
In past generations, entering the NFL was the first time most players received significant compensation for their talents. That hunger drove relentless preparation, long hours of film study, and an attitude of earning every opportunity. Today, the financial head start provided by NIL deals sometimes replaces that drive with complacency.
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