Want to make nearly $400,000 for just six months of work? That’s the reality for NFL practice squad players—athletes who don’t even step onto the field on Sundays but still cash checks most Americans could only dream of.
💰 What Does an NFL Practice Squad Player Earn?
In 2025, rookie players or those with two or fewer accrued NFL seasons make $13,000 per week if they stick with the squad all 18 weeks, earning a potential $234,000 for the season according to Over The Cap.
Veteran squad members (with more than two seasons’ experience) can earn between $17,500 and $22,000 per week, which means a full season’s pay can range from $315,000 to $396,000.
There are no signing bonuses and no guaranteed weeks—but if a player stays put, that’s a seriously solid return for just six months of work.
An NFL practice squad prepares on the field, training alongside the main roster while earning six-figure salaries for the season.
🏈 Why It’s Still a Big Deal
Front Office Sports reports that practice squad roles are often the first stop for undrafted players or fringe roster hopefuls. Though they don’t usually hit the field on game day, they get real experience, coaching, and can be promoted to the active roster.
Plus, practice squad players travel and live like active players during the week, and they earn a Super Bowl ring if their team wins the championship.
🏟️ The NFL Money Machine Behind It All
Even the lowest-paid players benefit from a league-backed ecosystem worth billions. In 2025, the average NFL franchise value is estimated at $7.65 billion, with the Dallas Cowboys topping the list at around $12.5 billion according to Investopedia.
A practice squad contract may not compare to Dak Prescott’s $60 million pay-day, but in the broader context of professional sports, it’s a smart short-term play with long-term upside.
The NFL logo on a dollar bill symbolizes the multibillion-dollar business behind America’s most popular sport.
FAQs: People Also Ask
How stable is an NFL practice squad job?
Not very. Contracts are week-to-week, and players can be released, promoted, or signed elsewhere at any time. There’s little job security, but plenty of opportunity if a player performs well.
Can practice squad players play in actual NFL games?
Yes—but only if they are elevated to the active roster on game day. Teams can promote up to two players per game without a full contract.
Do practice squad players get Super Bowl rings?
They do, if they’re with the team at the time of the Super Bowl. The current NFL Collective Bargaining Agreement explicitly provides for this.
Could a practice squad player move into a high-paid full-time career?
Absolutely. Many starters and stars began as practice squad players or fringe roster guys. If a player proves themselves, opportunities on the active roster can follow—and that’s where long-term contracts start.
The NFL logo set against a green field reflects the blend of sport and business driving the league’s global success.
Final Take
If you're chasing an NFL dream, a practice squad contract isn’t a bad place to start. It's short-term, high intensity, and potentially lucrative—a real shot for players to prove their worth, build experience, and maybe get that big league call-up. Even seasoned veterans use it as part of their career strategy. With patience and performance, a few months on the sidelines might pay off big time.
