Okay, so, I’ve always been a huge football fan, right? And I thought, “What’s the coolest job in the NFL?” Being a GM, obviously. So, I started digging into how one actually becomes a GM in the NFL. It’s not exactly a walk in the park, let me tell you.
First off, I figured I needed some kind of formal education. I mean, you can’t just walk in off the street and start running a team. Most of the guys in those positions seem to have some background in sports management. So I looked into sports management programs. I mean, no one around me was a professional in this area, so I had to look it up on the internet.
I started by searching for programs. I looked around my local area, but eventually, I settled for an online one. I mean, it’s a sports management degree. I am not going to spend so much on this. At least the online degree is cheaper.
After getting enrolled, I started grinding through those courses. It wasn’t always exciting, but I got it done. I didn’t like the process very much. It was just like going to another university. Boring. But I learned a lot about the business side of sports, which I guess is important for a GM.
Next, I knew I needed some real-world experience. These GMs don’t just magically appear. I tried to find an internship with an NFL team. It is really difficult, but I kept applying, and eventually, one team gave me a shot.
I started at the very bottom, doing grunt work, getting coffee, running errands. You know, the usual intern stuff. The pay was trash, but it was a foot in the door. I also got a chance to shadow some scouts. They taught me a lot about evaluating players. It’s not just about stats. It’s about their attitude and their work ethic, too.
After the internship, I managed to land a full-time job as a low-level assistant in the personnel department. Again, not glamorous, but I was in! I spent a few years there, learning everything I could. I also made sure to build relationships with everyone around me.
Then, I got promoted to a scout. This was a big step. I traveled all over, watching college games, talking to coaches, and writing reports on players. I got pretty good at spotting talent, if I do say so myself. But it was tough. Every scout in every team is doing the same thing. You must have a good eye to identify the truly great players.
I spent several years as a scout, honing my skills, and building my network. And finally, I got another promotion, this time to a director-level position in player personnel. I was getting closer to my dream. I was part of the decision-making process regarding the draft and trades. It was awesome!
Now, I’m not a GM yet, but I’m on the right path. I’ve put in the work, I’ve learned the ropes, and I’ve made the connections. It’s a long and winding road, but I’m determined to get there. I am confident that one day, I will be able to get the position I want.
So, that’s my story so far. It’s not easy to become a GM in the NFL. It takes time, effort, and a lot of luck. But if you’re passionate about football and you’re willing to put in the work, it’s definitely possible. And trust me, the journey is just as rewarding as the destination. Or at least, that’s what I’m telling myself.
