I was just wondering what are the possibilities of someone who has never played football making a pro team. Let me clarify myself.
Would it be a lot of work or just a waste of time?
Im not saying i would pesonally do it but i was just wondering.
See i figure i could weigh 280 by the time i was 22. Get a little faster and boom NFL. (ok this was a joke!) but, i was just wondering how hard it actually is.
skilled position or unskilled? what is your level of experience to date? offense or defense? at 280 your a descent size defensive lineman, to small for o-line and too big for any skilled position.
Short of being a kicker or punter (this is where a soccer background comes in VERY handy)…I can’t see it happening. It’s not like the World Series of Poker where anyone with $10,000 can sit in with the likes of Johnny Chan, Doyle Brunson and Phil Helmuth. That’s my goal in ten years.
I heard some talk on the radio today about our new arena league team, the Columbus Destroyers (I think). Maybe try walking on for the CFL or Arena League. Of course I have no clue as to the reality of how one would do this, just seems more attainable than the NFL for getting your foot in the door.
I figured if i could put on that much weight with my frame, why the hell would i not make use of it? Instead of getting a job i could train and actually do something fun for millions of dollars? what the fuck am i doing going to school. i should be training! This is all a fantasy of course but it’s fun to dream. Has this ever happend though, someone who started out late in the game to actually become pretty decent.
Practice deep snapping.
bobo yes there were and are a few players in the NFL that were your average Joe smuck and got on the team.
I beileve William “REFIGERATOR” Perry was a walk-on for the Chicago Bears. Also wasn’t Wanye Chrebet a walk on player for the JETS?
Fitone,
Those are free agents, not walkons.
slightly off topic. 
but about the poker, phil helmuth is a HUGE freakin’ whiner.
I just joined a division 1 flag league, and theres a lot of guys who used to play college ball, and a few who played NFL ball. These guys are serious athletes. You try playing defence against these guys and they will burn your ass. Ive improved greatly in the last month, and I have no doubt, if I played high school ball I might have the genetics and athleticism to play NFL ball, but even though Im only 21, I think it might be a little too late.
Practice squad
Get real!
bobopunxs, as any one of the regular players you would have no hope whatsoever unless you currently are highly skilled/gifted in some area.
Say you are way fast for your size, or can jump like a cat.
People dont realize how damn good most of those pro level players are until they get up close at a practice and see, and then try to mimic them from sidelines. That is when you would realize you would have your ass handed to you.
I could see a very very slight chance if you could sneak into some highly specialized role, some special teams job such as punter who can throw touchdowns or something like that.
Not trying to sound discouraging, but unless you can create miracles, the chances are slim to none. Even if you are 280, you will be trying to get around 300+ lb. O-lineman that have been playing football and practicing their technique all of their lives.
Think of ALL the high school football players in the U.S., then realize that only a small handfull of them go on to play college ball. Then, think that only like 1% of all college players make it to the NFL.
Now, on the other hand, I, myself am one of those guys that chases dreams. I was a 28 year old college football player, now I’m 30 and I will play again next season at a Division III school. So I say if it is a dream of yours, go after it. Whatever you do, don’t let us determine whether or not you decide to pursue it.
If you’ve never played football… no offense but there’s probably a few things you’re lacking even for Dline. Mentality, necesary footwork and agility. It’s not all about speed and strength. The footwork and agility could be worked on, the mentality part is probably the hardest to do.
There’s really no such thing as an unskilled player in the NFL- O-line and D-line positions require a different set of skills, thats all.
Show up even at 280 and strong as an ox with 0 experience and you’d be in for an ass whuppin.
But, if you seriously wanted to give it a shot, it’s not too late for College ball, spend a few years developing the skills and knowledge of the game… why not?
It’s not a dream. i was just wondering remember? =)
I wouldn’t be worried about the mentality. I wrestled for one of the top d1 teams (top 10). I know what it’s like to get my ass kicked day in and day out. a typical saturday would look like this. we would drive 1 hour to “cardiac hill” and warm up a 2 mile run. Once we were warm we would run 5 miles. THEN we would get to cardiac hill where you would find a partner of equal weight and climb up a hill that is about a 65 degree angle, 8 times each, with your partner on your back. We would have a few hours to rest and be in the room for 2 hours. i Only did this for one season though becuase it took up way to much of my time and academics were more important.
Oh BTW saturday was considered easy.
Players with no college football experience playing in the NFL.
Clinton Hart–Eagles
Michael Lewis–Saints (was a 29 year old rookie last year)
Marcus Pollard–TE on Colts
I’m sure there’s more but that’s a start. Bottom line is if you can play, they’ll find a spot for you. Attend a regional combine that are held all over the country to get some exposure.
Hey, if you’re big and fast enough… try an become a wedge breaker for ST. That’s what I wanna do.