The National Football League is the very pinnacle of professional American football. Every year, it showcases some of the world’s most talented athletes. There are thousands of amateur players who dream of making it to the NFL but there are only a select few who manage to do so.
The journey from training to a touchdown in the NFL is not an easy one. It is not just about talent but also about hard work, dedication, perseverance and a fair bit of luck.
We will take a closer look at the many paths to success for NFL players, from their early days of training to the triumphant touchdowns on the main stage of American football.
Youth and High School Football
The journey of an NFL player tends to begin at a young age, often in the back garden with friends and family. After this initial discovery, many of those who end up as NFL stars hone their passion for the game while playing youth and high school football.
This is where they acquire their basic skills, develop a love for the game and get just a step closer to the big leagues. But this is still early days, and although the high school football circuit is competitive and at times pretty hardcore, it isn’t quite close enough to separate the cream of the crop.
NFL Draft
The NFL Draft is the main gateway to the NFL. The draft sees college players who have excelled in their respective positions get a chance to move up the chain. Many hope to hear their names called during this annual event. Selecting these players is a tough choice, somewhat harder than NFL computer picks.
The draft is a culmination of years of hard work and dedication for prospective NFL players. Those who make it to this point are getting ever closer to realizing those glory-filled moments. For many, this stage is where dreams come true as they have the opportunity to be selected by an NFL team.
Training camp and preseason
If, and only if, they are lucky enough to make the draft or get signed as an undrafted free agent, players enter NFL training camps preseason games. This stage of the process is really the make or break for many players. This is where all the hard work and determination is put to the test against other players as they compete for roster spots.
The intense competition, long hours and rigorous training are all part of the process that forges the best of the best. Only the most dedicated and skilled players survive this stage and rightly so – this is the gateway to the NFL, after all.
Making the Roster
Once players make it through training camp and preseason, securing a spot on an NFL roster is a massive accomplishment, but the journey is far from over. Players will have to continue to prove themselves through consistent high-level performance and dedication to their craft.
They will be required to keep up with and adapt to the ever-changing nature of the game. At this point, players are definite professionals, the cream of the crop. There are a couple more steps to achieving NFL stardom, but we are getting close.
NFL Regular Season
For those who make it onto the roster, the NFL regular season is where the real action happens. Players here compete at the highest level, week in and week out, facing off against the best in the world.
This is particularly grueling – players can expect to deal with injuries, setbacks and the challenges that are all part of the game, but perseverance is key. It is the season that tests the resilience of the best players.
Achieving stardom
After this we really are at the top, and the performances seen in the NFL, the clashes and touchdowns, are what make names. A select few NFL players will achieve stardom, becoming household names and faces of the league.
Their success goes beyond the field, and often they go on to sign lucrative endorsement deals, make appearances in commercials and become role models for aspiring athletes. They are at the apex of the sport.
The journey from training to touchdown in the NFL is grueling. It is a path that requires a combination of talent, hard work, dedication and some luck.
Every step of the journey is a testament to the resilience and determination of these athletes. Although not every aspiring player will make it to the NFL, the stories of those who do serve as inspiration for many others who continue to dream of their own touchdown moment in the world of professional football.
Unrelated to article, just curious if anyone knows? Why do Packers never wear those all white Unis anymore? Those were sharp. why they never wear white jerseys at home? Only time ever that I remember was 1989 win over Saints at home.
As I recall Carlos, those were called “color rush” uniforms and only used for Thursday night games. It was a way for the league to generate additional revenue. As an NFL purest, Ted was never a fan of the outlandish uniforms of some teams. For example, the Seahawks had their all lime green uniforms. He went with something simple like all white. They did look good.
Ted was as vanilla as they come.
But like Wolf, Ted accomplished the most important thing that actually mattered.
Building a Championship Super Bowl winning roster.
Having a plan is easy, any BillyBob, Gomer Lee, or Bubba Ray can have a plan.
But having goals, and reaching them, takes a winner.
You have a sense of humor Ed.
–
You used a photo of Amari Rodgers actually catching a ball for the article. Good one.
F it, i’ll post something and make this joint look like it has a pulse.
Observations……
Believe it or not, Ty Montgomery is still in the NFL.
Mac Jones, Baker Mayfield, Daniel Jones, Zach Wilson are still trying to prove they belong in the NFL.
Did the Jets score to soon after the interception late in the 4th?
Answer coming shortly…..
I’ll answer it anyway with 1:46 left on the clock.
YES they did, regardless of outcome.
The Bears and Justin Fields, are exactly who most of us thought they were.
There were questions whether the Lions would be the NFCN Champions.
There were questions whether they were for real.
There are….no more questions.
How does a team beat an undefeated team, with their QB throwing 0 TD’s, and 2 picks, converting only 3 of 13 3rd down conversions, being 1-2 in the red zone, and getting 13 penalties for 119 yards?
See the Cleveland Browns.
Congrats to the Jets anyway.
But here’s the problem…..
With each Jets win, our 2nd round draft pick gets later and later in the 2nd round.
I’m just glad it wasn’t a 3rd round pick, for obvious reasons. 💯
From down the hall….
Anonymous
October 15, 2023 at 09:49 am
I don’t know if it was Murphy who decided to trade up for Love and not tell the diva HOF QB they were planning to do so. To me, that is how this dumpster fire started. I don’t know if Murphy decided on the contracts that put them in cap hell and forced all these rookie starters. If so, I agree Murphy should go. Honestly I’d get rid of all 3 Murphy, MLF and G-Kunt
Anonymous
October 15, 2023 at 11:05 am
They would have had the choice of Love ,or Hurts. It was not a bad QB class to choose from, but the next three picks did not help the Packers get over the top. The fourth was used on the Love deal. Runyan salvaged the back side and became a starter, but he’s not a priority re-signing. The 2017-2020 drafts kept them out of the SB.
Anonymous
October 15, 2023 at 06:33 pm
Rodgers didn’t care about the pick. Love was no threat to him. The complaint was about adding firepower to the existing squad to WIN a superbowl.
^^^^^^^^^THAT^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Additional….
October 15, 2023 at 05:37 pm
We deal in the real world where personalities react in unique ways. My point here was they should have been able to predict how Rodgers would react. Maybe they knew and thought his skills had deteriorated to the point where they didn’t care. If so, it was just another poor evaluation. I can’t help but think what might have been if more draft picks had been used on offensive skill positions.
Some of us think for ourselves, we have bold personalities who aren’t afraid to voice our opinions no matter how unpopular over the years.
I’m talking about fans like Cheese, MMSUCKS, and some others.
Then the years roll by, and time has a funny way of proving those opinions correct and thus, most fans come around and have the same opinions, albeit, years later.
Kudos to those strong voices and passionate Packer fans, who are almost always vindicated in due time.
The Elite.
Funny seeing how some fan narratives have changed around the various Packer sites since this season has begun. Most telling was the change from “You have to give it at least the season” to after 5 games “Burn it all down!”. I distinctly remember preseason speculation about how the defense and O-line would be/are elite. Anyone recall the “conundrum” surrounding the offensive line and who they were going to cut because the Packers had so much talent on the line? Funny thing happened on the way to the season I guess and they forgot to tell the defense and o-line.
One thing I don’t see mentioned near enough when it comes to disgust with the front office/coaching staff is Russ Ball doesn’t receive nearly as much of the blame as Gute, McFleur and MM get. Who’s to say Ball wasn’t covertly planting things in Murphy’s head? The fact he was even considered to be the GM is almost as staggering as the Packers reverting to the clown committee Murphy set up after the McCarthy debacle. Welcome to “That 70’s Show”, Green Bay style.
I really like Rodgers is gone now simply because we get to see the same crap happening just like when he was here. Rodgers was secretly sabotaging the organization by reverting to hero ball is what some people want us to believe, or was he? I’m sure most of us remember the graphic a few years ago where McFleur was in rare company by having a spectacular W-L record his first 3 seasons as a head coach in the league like George Seifert, etc. Unlike the rest of those guys who I believe all won Superbowl’s, McFleur will be remembered as the one anomaly coach of that group that will never realize a Lombardi as a head coach.
As far as this comment goes “And some people just never shut up. I’m looking at you Kevin.” That’s rich coming from the guy who renounced being a fan. Listen, flip-flop, you may not like that people hold different opinions than you. The world isn’t fair. Maybe you were hired by the Packers to carry the “G” and stir up hate and discontent on internet forums with your opinions that are essentially pro-Packer propaganda that seem to change when the wind blows. Delving into alternative truths from what you’ve actually stated over the relatively short duration you’ve been here isn’t a good look.
Call us ladies, girls, women, whatever you want, but the majority of the longtime posters here can agree to disagree from time to time and we know where we stand. In your case, “The emperor has no clothes” seems fitting. Usually aimed at debunking widely accepted myths and deceptions, revealing an uncomfortable truth, do you look in the mirror much because you certainly NEVER SHUT UP spamming your ever-changing opinions ad nauseum. Queue the retaliatory misogynist clap back to my opinion in 3…2…1…because that is the go-to tactic if anyone doesn’t agree with you.
I think he’s looking at you Flip Flop.
This! ^^^^ Great to hear from you Empacador! I am happy to see that at least one more of us sees the possibility that the *unt Tom M may be a salt from 1265 Lombardi. To me, based on what he says and does, it appears to be a reasonable possibility.
*
Regarding Russ Ball? That is also a possibility.
*
MM and Gutekunst are definitely spearheading a possible return back to mediocrity. Interesting times in the Packer world to (say the least). Many of us saw this coming when TT was starting to go south. Then the piss poor hiring of Gutekunst (a TT acolyte) as the new GM . . . Just what was MM thinking? Or does he even think? I would guess that buying up land around Lambeau field and making sledding hills seem to take up most of his attention . . . To hell with the team.
Maybe they can earmark the proceeds from the sledding hill for use in paying for some competent coaching. One can dream.
Forget about a possible return to mediocrity, from what i’ve seen….we’re there.
Wow, post of the year right here. 10/10, hat’s off to you sir.
On another note, glad to see quite the influx of articles around here. I know I’m a little early for ‘coming back in the middle of the season to praise Love and LaFleur’ as was projected but I’m glad I didn’t miss this.
And some people just never shut up. I’m looking at you Kevin.
Brock Purdy was under constant pressure and his receivers drop balls in the 49er loss to Cleveland. Not unlike what Jordan Love endured last Monday night. Let’s hope the OL gets healthy over the bye.
“And some people just never shut up!! 😖👶🏻🍼
LOl….That’s right Tommi, let it all out.
https://getyarn.io/yarn-clip/50438489-a297-4e6f-800e-b6c1b863fe86
Tom M 5 days ago
There’s no guarantee Jordan Love gets another year.
******************
Except for the fully guaranteed 13.5 million dollar contract they gave Love this off season, instead of his 5th year option.
Any other wisdom you care to educate us Ladies with Scooter?
So Smart, so entertaining.
****************
Packers brain trust……
“I know….Lets give Love almost no experience at wr’s and tight ends and see how he does his first starting season!!”
Brilliant plan!!
Making friends, down the hall…..
**************************
Do the Jets have 8 first round picks on defense?
Or is it, that they have better players that are well coached? Hmmm…
Maybe we need to devote more #1 draft picks on defense, while the wr and tight end room get depleted to next to nothing.
OOPS…too late.
YES!!…..Our lone 1st round (and 4th round) pick that Gute drafted on offense, sat on the bench for 3 seasons.
Not…helping a team 1 game away from the Super Bowl.
Pure genius Gute.
So where did that leave us today?
That 3 year bench player is now starting, with a talent depleted offense sans Aaron Jones.
Starting in the NFL at QB is hard enough, depleting your pass catching room, did Love no favors
Did Gute deplete that room to ‘spite’ Rodgers, or didn’t he realize it was being depleted?
I don’t like either answer.
Pure Brilliance
*****************
James Robinson…..hmmmm
Lets see, a 25 year old who is now on his 4th team in a time frame under 2 years.
Cherry pick his good stats from 2020-2021, but here’s the real.
If he’s a talent (and i guess he could be, idk).
Ask yourself this…
Why would 4 teams, before the Packers, take a pass on a young cheap talented running back rather then have him on their team?
I’m not the brightest bulb in the room, but my best guess is, all those teams thought his negatives, outweighed his positives.
Yes, right now, we may have a slight issue with running backs, but how long have we had issues with pass catchers?
Yes, i know, i know……Watson, Musgrave, Doubs….i know!!
But when one of them, becomes consistently productive, like idk… maybe top 30 in the NFL, come talk to me.
Because right now, the Packers offense is a hot mess when we have to play a team with a halfway decent defense.
Although the Packers schedule is ultra cushy, we don’t play the Bears, Falcons, and Denver’s train wreck of a defense, 17 times a season.
No, i’m not Carrying the G, i carry reality. 💯
Yes, grab a cookie, kool aid, and get ready to thumbs down 🤪
In other news…..
The Chiefs get back Mecole Hardman from the Jets.
The Chiefs wr’s are struggling, having a rookie 2nd round receiver who leads all Chiefs receivers with 245 yards.
Lets not forget the 10 million dollar receiver MVS who has a head spinning 116 yards and 0 TD’s, in only 6 games with the best QB, EVER!!
What a great signing, right Princess?
(Kudos to Gute for not paying up for yet another one of his failed draft picks.)
Holy S ..t!
Meanwhile, Tyreek Hill leads all NFL receivers with 814 yards and 6 TD’s
Gee…anyone think the Chiefs should have used that MVS money to pay Tyreek?
I’ll bet the Chiefs think that now.
This isn’t the train wreck that Gute has made of the pass catching in Green Bay, at least the Chiefs were smart enough to keep Kelce around who is ranked 25th.
But we have our own star tight end, 97th ranked matchup nightmare Luke Musgrave who has 159 yards and looking for his first score.
But not to worry, because we have Tucker Kraft who is breathing down Musgraves neck with 2 catches for 5 yards.
If you were thinking that Kraft is a …….(cough) 3rd round pick……
BINGO!!
But i digress, i’m being a bit hard on our guys in here……😞
Gute has a plan!!…we’re told.
The good news is the Packers play the NFL’s worst defense that gives up 33 PPG.
So get ready for the Packer offense to move the ball, then someone can come in here and puff out his chest again (lol), like after the Packers played the big bad Bears.
Thank God this isn’t the Raiders defense where Love had 0 TD’s and 3 picks and a 32 passer rating.
BRING ON DENVER!!
Gute has a plan.
I’m not down on Musgrave yet. After he was drafted I wasn’t thrilled about the tape I watched and think I said something along the lines of him going down anytime someone was within arms reach of him. And I haven’t seen him do too much on the field, but I’ve seen Love miss him a few times and what I do remember seeing I liked the effort he showed.
Kraft on the other hand is so shit at blocking he looks like he belongs on that Bears play that’s circulating right now where the lineman block each other. He’s a liability on the field right now.
Yea, i agree 87.
I actually think Musgrave has the most potential from his draft class.
You’re right, his numbers would look a lot better if Love wouldn’t miss a wide open Musgrave with room to run, or hit him down the seam.
Being 6’6″ i want to see this guy getting more targets in the red/end zone also.
The Packers haven’t had a standout 2nd round pick since ’19, so maybe Musgrave can be that guy.
As i previously suggested, Kraft looks almost lost out there sometimes.
I see him and i’m thinking practice squad.
************************
In breaking WNBA News…..
The Aces faced the Liberty in the……
Yea, i don’t care either.
Fun Fact: Tyreek Hill has more yards in 6 games this season, than any Packer wr or tight end had in 17 games last season.
Which may end up being true for this season also.
“We don’t need receivers, not with our top 5 elite defense and the best running back duo in the NFL.” – Scooter
****************
So entertaining 🥱
That’s right, “Gute’s gotta plan.” And what’s your plan Kevin? Give Aaron Rodgers whatever he wants because he’s “the best QB ever?” You still sleep with an 8X10 glossy of “the best QB ever” under your pillow every night? You’re on record as saying you would have traded Aaron Rodgers. Ok, then who’s our QB right now? Tell us. Because you’ve said over and over you’d have drafted a WR instead of Jordan Love. With no Jordan Love and no Aaron Rodgers on the roster, who would be QB number one for the Green Bay Packers right now? Any of you other ladies what to chyme in and tell us who would be QB right now? You’ve all spewed the same nonsense. The disgruntled Kurt Benkert perhaps? Tim Boyle? On his fourth team in four years. That’s no plan at all. But you idiots know football.
As painful as it was, I went back and rewatched the first 5 games. I came away still bullish on Jordan Love. The main reason he’s regressed had more to do with protection than anything else. We get the OL healthy, I still think he turns this around. You give him time, he can make plays. You can win with Love at QB. I don’t see a QB that’s blaming others, see Aaron Rodgers during last years losing streak. And I don’t see a QB that’s lost his confidence. The remainder of the season will be his big test. Let’s all hope he passes.
Always so angry…..😠
************
” The main reason he’s regressed had more to do with protection than anything else.” -Barney
Yes, because good NFL QB’s shouldn’t HAVE TO handle any pressure from a teams defense to play well…Durrrrrrr
What have i said in here Scooter?
We have to see how Love deals with pressure.
Most NFL QB’s can be productive without pressure.
That’s what separates QB’s, handling duress under pressure and still be productive.
When you get to the playoffs, guess what?
Successful QB’s have to deal with pressure.
But lets not get ahead of ourselves Sparky, lets see if Love has what it takes to actually lead a team into the playoffs.
Rodgers, Rodgers, Rodgers, Rodgers, and the beat goes on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and….
Look Kevin, if you and the girls want to criticize Brain Gutekunst, then offer a solution. Everyone one of you bitched and moaned over the contract extension. Ok, fine. If you don’t pay Rodgers then you have to trade him. If you’ve wasted the 2020 1st round draft pick on a nonexistent WR then there’s no Jordan Love. You absolutely loved you some Kurt Benkert when he was around. You were the only one. He can’t find a job. So we’d have NO QB right now.
Drafting players to pad Aaron Rodgers stats doesn’t win you championships. But that won’t stop you ladies from telling each other otherwise. This is all part of the process. There’s going to be ups and downs during this first season with Love as the starter. Just as there was Aaron Rodgers first year as starter. But you want to blame AJ Dillion and not drafting TJ Watt. With neither player having no bearing on Jordan Love development as a franchise QB.
Still waiting on your master plan Kevin. Tell us what you would do as GM. Instead, you’ll ramble on with some useless nonsense….
And why shouldn’t Gute get an extension, his team is ranked what…24th in the NFL power rankings?
Gute probably got an extension because he’s so good in the draft.
Just count all the difference makers he drafted in rounds 3-7 the last 6 drafts.
Who else could have accomplished that!?!?
In Gute’s 6th year of roster building, this team is destined for success, i’m saying as many as 5-7 wins….maybe.
Who else could have accomplished that!?!?
Never give up Sparky 👍
Tom M 9 hours ago
Look Kevin, if you and the girls want to criticize Brain Gutekunst, then offer a solution.
^THAT^…..LOL
Gee…I don’t know Tommi…..
Ummm…how about he goes all out in fighting for a Super Bowl instead of spending 2 draft picks on a 3 year bench player?
Ummmmm…how about he doesn’t let the pass catching talent drain down to next to nothing, especially after grooming a new starting QB for 3 years.
Not too mention all the useless 3rd -7th round picks from 6 drafts.
DUHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!
That reminds me of the mindset of Bear fans concerning getting rid of Cutler.
“But who are you gonna get that’s better” – Bear fans whined.
Cutler was a whiner and a loser, not to mention a quitter.
We would constantly hear from Bear fans……
“Who can we get that’s any better?
Yes, your probably thinking that is a losing mindset.
You’d be correct
I wonder if Lions fans said the same thing about Matt Millen when he ran the Detroit Lions.
Never stop trying Scooter!!! 👍