NFL Running Back

Industry:
Sports
Last Updated:
September 19, 2023

Job Description Overview

Are you interested in pursuing a career as an NFL Running Back? This position requires immense speed, agility, and strength, as the key responsibility is to run the ball and score touchdowns. As an NFL Running Back, you'll be part of a team that relies on you to help them win games. 

Your job description involves more than just running with the football. You will need to be well-rounded, with the ability to recognize defensive weaknesses and make split-second decisions. You'll also need to catch and block passes with extreme precision. 

As an NFL Running Back, you'll be responsible for maintaining your physical health and staying in top condition to avoid injuries. You will work with a team of coaches, trainers, and nutritionists to ensure that you are at your peak performance level come game day. 

In addition to being an exceptional athlete, you'll also need to have strong teamwork and leadership skills, as you'll be working closely with other members of your team to score points and take home victories. 

In conclusion, being an NFL Running Back is a highly competitive and dynamic position that requires a combination of sports skill, athleticism, and teamwork. If you have the drive and dedication to pursue a career in sports, then this may be the perfect job for you!

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Job Duties and Responsibilities

  • Running backs must run with the football, avoiding tackles and attempting to gain yardage.
  • They must also be capable of catching passes from the quarterback and advancing the ball down the field.
  • Running backs are responsible for blocking, or interfering with defenders, to protect the quarterback or other players on the team.
  • They must have good vision and be able to quickly identify openings in the defense to exploit.
  • Running backs must be able to react quickly to changes in play and adjust their movements accordingly.
  • They must have good ball control and not fumble the ball, potentially losing possession for their team.
  • Running backs may also be used on special teams, returning kicks or punts.
  • They must maintain good physical fitness and endurance to handle the demands of the position.
  • Running backs must work effectively with their team and be able to follow the direction of the coaches and play-caller.
  • They may also be required to provide leadership and motivation to their teammates.

Experience and Education Requirements

To become an NFL running back, you’ll need a combination of education and experience. Generally, you’ll need to have played football in high school and college. This experience will give you the skills and knowledge needed to play at the professional level. Moreover, many NFL running backs have a degree from a college or university, which demonstrates a strong work ethic and dedication to learning. However, formal education is not always required. Some players may have had a difficult upbringing or personal challenges which prevented them from pursuing higher education. Ultimately, it all comes down to having the talent, discipline, and grit to make it in the competitive world of professional sports.

Salary Range

The NFL Running Back salary range varies greatly depending on factors like experience, team, and performance. According to PayScale, the average salary for an NFL Running Back is approximately $1.1 million per year. Rookie Running Backs can expect to earn an average salary of $480,000, while veterans can make up to $5 million or more. However, star Running Backs like Ezekiel Elliott and Todd Gurley make significantly more, with salaries around $15-20 million per year. 

Outside of the United States, players in other countries like Canada's Canadian Football League (CFL) and Japan's X League make significantly less, with a salary range of approximately $50,000 to $80,000 per year. 

Sources:

https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=ProfessionalFootballPlayer/Salary 

https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/rankings/running-back/ 

https://www.sportscasting.com/football/the-5-highest-paid-running-backs-in-the-nfl-right-now/ 

https://3downnation.com/2021/04/06/what-cfl-players-make-salary-expectations-for-the-upcoming-season/ 

https://fsf.co.jp/xleague/salary/

Career Outlook

The career outlook for an NFL running back over the next five years is a bit of a mixed bag. While the sport of football continues to be immensely popular in the United States, the running back position has evolved in recent years. Teams are relying more on committee-style running attacks, rather than relying on a single workhorse back. Additionally, recent rule changes regarding player safety have put an emphasis on passing-heavy offenses, which can limit opportunities for running backs. However, talented and versatile running backs are still highly coveted and can have long and successful careers in the NFL. Sources: ESPN, Bleacher Report.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the job of an NFL running back?

A: An NFL running back is responsible for carrying the ball and gaining yards on the ground. They also play a role in pass-blocking and catching the ball out of the backfield.

Q: Do running backs only run with the ball?

A: No, they also play an important role in pass-blocking, which protects the quarterback from getting sacked. They also catch passes out of the backfield and run routes like receivers.

Q: What skills do you need to be a successful running back in the NFL?

A: Running backs need good vision to find the holes in the defense, agility to make quick cuts, speed to outrun defenders, and strength to break tackles.

Q: How important is teamwork for an NFL running back?

A: Teamwork is very important. Running backs need to work closely with their offensive line to create running lanes and protect the quarterback. They also need to have good communication with their quarterback to execute plays effectively.

Q: What is the average salary for an NFL running back?

A: The salary for an NFL running back varies depending on experience and performance. The average salary is around $1.1 million per year, but some top-performing running backs can earn over $10 million per year.


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