Like it or not, the quarterback position is unlike any other position in football. They often get more glory than they deserve when things go well, and they always take most of the blame when teams fail. The amount of maturity, as well as the physical and mental development, required to thrive in this position in the National Football League far exceeds that of any other position.

Over the past few years, I have been fortunate to have been contacted by some people facing this decision with questions about my opinion as part of their decision-making process. After spending time researching the subject, I was a bit surprised at how poorly the small sample of sophomores at quarterback fared in the NFL.

While many players in other positions, who came out after their sophomore year, have had good careers, the only quarterback I could find who established himself as a starter in the league was Michael Vick (although he had some serious well-publicized problems midway through on the way). career). The next best result I found for a second-year quarterback was officer Tommy Maddox, who entered the league in 1992 and became a starter in the 2002 and 2003 seasons for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

I am of the opinion that there are only two good reasons for a quarterback to leave after their sophomore year to pursue an NFL career: 1) if someone in their family is seriously ill and this is the only way to that they can afford the treatment they need, and 2) if you don’t think you’re good enough to have a successful NFL career.

Let’s take these separately. Many will say (and have argued with me) that my # 1 reason doesn’t go far enough and should include the financial hardships of the player’s family in general as well. I could not disagree more, I think that what is best for the future of the player is paramount. Also, even if your family is suffering financially, it is likely that they have been in this condition for some time and another year will not kill them. Putting that kind of pressure on your child is not fair to him and losing that extra year of maturity and development can end up ruining what could have been a good career.

As for the number 2, most people ask me what I mean by that. Well, if you’re going to have an NFL quarterback career, how soon you get into the league or where you get drafted is of little consequence. The real money for a quarterback comes after his first contract; once they have proven their worth. The six highest-paid players in the league today are all quarterbacks. Five of the six entered the league after completing his final year in college. While three were first-round picks (1st, 18th, and 24th pick), one was not selected at all and one was a sixth-round pick.

Now, if you think you don’t have what it takes to make a career as an NFL quarterback, then of course you want to get out early, grab the money, and run.

Agents love to tell kids that if they don’t get out early, they are leaving millions of dollars on the table. When it comes to a position like running back, I’m inclined to agree with them. However, when it comes to quarterbacks, the evidence doesn’t add up.

If you were a coach, who would you like to lead your offense? The kid who is looking for the gold ring or the kid who had the “where with everything” to turn down rich insurance to better prepare for his career? All NFL quarterbacks have the physical ability to play the position, what separates them is their ability to make decisions.