NFL Long Snapper

Industry:
Sports
Last Updated:
September 19, 2023

Job Description Overview

An NFL Long Snapper is a crucial player on the football team who specializes in snapping the ball to the punter or kicker during field goals and punts. Their main duty is to deliver the ball accurately and quickly to avoid any errors that can result in the loss of valuable yardage, points or compromise the safety of the players. NFL Long Snappers are extremely proficient and undergo extensive training to master the skill.

Moreover, aside from snapping duties, Long Snappers are responsible for making tackles in special teams and serving as a protector for the kicker or punter. Additionally, they have a critical role in assessing the defense strategies and communicating with the rest of the special team members to alert them if the opponents are trying to block a kick.

Overall, NFL Long Snapper job description is a challenging and specialized position in the sports industry that requires precision, focus, and a strong work ethic.

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Job Duties and Responsibilities

  • Snapping the ball accurately to the punter or holder on punt and field goal attempts
  • Blocking defenders and protecting the punter/holder/quarterback during long snaps
  • Understanding and executing different snap techniques depending on the situation (i.e. short snap, shotgun snap, etc.)
  • Communicating with the punter/holder/quarterback and other special teams players before and during the game
  • Making adjustments and corrections during the game based on the opposing team's tactics
  • Contributing to special teams strategy and game planning with coaches and teammates
  • Practicing and training regularly to maintain consistency and accuracy in snapping
  • Participating in film study and analysis to improve performance and identify areas for growth
  • Providing leadership and guidance to younger or less experienced special teams players when needed.

Experience and Education Requirements

To be a NFL Long Snapper, you need both education and experience in sports. Most long snappers have played football in high school and college. It's important to learn the rules of the game and understand how the teamwork works. You also need to have strong arm and hand strength to be able to send the ball accurately and quickly. Many long snappers work with special trainers to improve their technique and build greater endurance. A long snapper should also have good communication skills to work closely with the punter and the kicker. Ultimately, becoming an NFL Long Snapper requires dedication and a lot of hard work, but the rewards can be great.

Salary Range

NFL Long Snappers are an important yet underrated position in the sports industry. If you're wondering about the salary range for this job, the average pay in the United States ranges between $550,000 to $1,000,000 per year. However, according to a report by Heavy, the highest-paid NFL Long Snapper is Morgan Cox, who earns $1.15 million annually. On the other hand, rookies can start with a minimum salary of $435,000. Though, some teams might sign a long snapper to a contract of $20,000 or $30,000.

It's worth noting that Long Snappers in other countries may not earn at the same level as their U.S. counterparts. In Canada, Long Snappers are not as high-paid. For instance, according to Askmen, in the Canadian Football League, the minimum salary is $65,000. 

Sources:

  • Heavy: https://heavy.com/sports/2021/03/nfl-long-snapper-salary/
  • Askmen: https://www.askmen.com/money/career/how-to-become-a-pro-football-player.html

Career Outlook

The career outlook for an NFL Long Snapper looks stable over the next five years, according to industry experts. Despite being a specialized position, the demand for long snappers remains steady, and teams rely heavily on their skills. Although there is no official data on job growth for long snappers, the average salary for a long snapper is about $1.1 million per year, with the potential to earn more with experience and expertise. Many long snappers also have long careers, playing for more than a decade in the NFL. Overall, while the position may not be as well-known as other positions, the demand for long snappers will likely continue to grow steadily in the next few years.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is an NFL Long Snapper? 

A: An NFL Long Snapper is a specialized player who snaps the ball to the punter or holder during field goal or extra point attempts. 

Q: How important is their role on the team?

A: Despite being an underrecognized position, a poor Long Snapper performance can lead to missed kicks, turnovers, and affected field position. 

Q: How do NFL Long Snappers train for their position?

A: Long Snappers physically practice their technique daily and work with coaches to optimize their skills, speed, velocity, and accuracy. 

Q: What are the physical requirements for being an NFL Long Snapper? 

A: Being a Long Snapper requires strong upper body strength, good hand-eye coordination, and flexibility to achieve a fast and accurate snap. 

Q: Do NFL Long Snappers play other positions?  

A: While some Long Snappers can play other positions, such as linebacker or tight end, most are solely specialized for their snapping duties.


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