FAQs – Football

What is the NFL’s Draft eligibility rule?

The NFL and NFLPA Collective Bargaining Agreement states that a player may only apply for eligibility in the NFL Draft three years after his graduation from high school or graduation of the class with which he entered high school, whichever is earlier. If a player chooses to enter the draft after only three NFL regular seasons have begun and ended following his high school graduation or graduation of the class with which he entered, he must apply for early eligibility, i.e. “opt in.”

What is an NFLPA Certified Contract Advisor?

Which student-athletes are affected by the NFLPA rule regarding certified contract advisor contact?

What types of communication are prohibited by this new regulation?

Does electronic communication include messages and other notifications sent through social networking Web sites (i.e. Facebook, MySpace, LinkedIn, etc.)?

Does this rule apply to communication with the family of a student-athlete?

Does this rule apply to communication with close friends of a student-athlete?

Can contract advisors send a prospective player, or his family, promotional brochures?

Does this prohibition apply to presentations on campus during “Agent Days”?

Who will make determinations of the penalties for certified contract advisors who violate this rule?

What penalties will be enforced for violation of this rule?

If a student-athlete communicates with a contract advisor prior to being eligible for the draft, will the student-athlete be subject to any penalties?

Does this new regulation change any NCAA agent bylaws that are currently in place?

If you have any questions about this regulation or witness any contact that would violate this rule, who should you contact?

What is the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA)?

What is the NFL combine?

Can I attend the NFL combine, as a prospective or enrolled student-athlete, without affecting my eligibility?

Do I have to attend the NFL combine in order to be drafted?

Who do I contact to get information on my draft status?

As an enrolled student-athlete, am I allowed to enter the draft without jeopardizing my eligibility?

As a prospective or currently enrolled student-athlete, is being drafted the only way to play in the NFL?

Am I allowed to participate in the NFL Combine in February and maintain my eligibility?

Can I participate in on-campus “pro days” for NFL teams if school is still in session?

Can I participate in private workouts/tryouts with professional teams if school is still in session?

Can professional football teams pay for my private workouts/tryouts?

Can I pay for my own private workouts/tryouts with professional football teams?

Can any other individual (e.g., agent, runner or “advisor”) pay for my private workouts/tryouts with professional teams?

What is the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) rule regarding agent contact?

Is an agent allowed to contact teams on my behalf to arrange private workouts or tryouts?