On the TunneySide of Sports December 6, 2021 #877 Up next… Education For The Blue Chip Athlete
After further review… A headline in a recent publication caught my eye: “Why worry about who’s No. 1 when education is No. 2” — a reference to high school football recruits in choosing a college. What followed – it actually preceded it — was the shocking headline about Lincoln Riley and Brian Kelly.
These are two current college football coaches who have left their current schools (Oklahoma for Riley and Notre Dame for Kelly) to accept a much larger salary at another university – just as the 2021 football season was concluding. It is an absolute shame that these two famous coaches abandon their players at this juncture. And what for? Yes, you’re right – money!
What is taking place as I write this is that several (maybe many) high school players – commonly referred to as “blue chippers” – are now switching their original intention to attend the school where either or both of these two coaches formerly coached to now attend where they are moving. As a lifelong educator, it certainly seems that education has taken a back seat for those choosing that route. On another note: first, they have that right to choose; second, the universities they will be attending are qualified to give them the necessary education needed if they so choose; and third, it is obvious their new choice of schools is planning for a future in professional football. Does education count?
It is apparent these football players, and many others, go to college only to move on to the NFL, so who cares what the education level is? May I remind athletes who think in those terms, that of all the hundreds of college football players eligible, the NFL drafts about 350 each year and of those drafted less than 100 “make it” in the NFL? Further, the average length of NFL tenure is three and a half years!
Just a few years back the Jim Tunney Youth Foundation had a special event with Andrew Luck, the former All-America Stanford quarterback and at that time current Indianapolis Colts quarterback, as our guest speaker. Luck was asked why he had returned to Stanford to meet with his college professor. Luck said that when his time came to drop NFL football, he wanted to be ready for his life’s journey. He now has started the Andrew Luck Book Club. Is education important to Andrew Luck?
What are your thoughts on the value of a college education in today’s world?
And I would like to wish a very Happy Birthday today to Linda, my wife of 25 years! Happy Birthday, my love!
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Jim’s books include many messages about rules and regulations (remember he was a referee). His bobblehead on your desk or shelf will be a treasure in your office or home.
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To contact Jim, go to www.jimtunney.com or email jim@jimtunney.com.
