It always amazes me how how the goal of every good high school football player is to play in ther NFL. However, they don't "play the odds". They would rather be a running back in college than a cornerback even though NFL cornerbacks average more money, have longer careers, take less physical abuse, and account for two starting positions (sometimes 3 or 4 depending on the defense).
NFL's Average Salaries By Position per SI:
1. Quarterback | $1,970,982
2. Defensive End | $1,583,784
3. Offensive Lineman | $1,267,402
4. Defensive Tackle | $1,223,925
5.
Cornerback | $1,193,666
6. Linebacker | $1,175,788
7. Wide Receiver | $1,054,437
8.
Running Back | $957,360
9. Safety | $947,887
10. Punter/Kicker | $868,005
11. Tight End | $863,414
National Football League Football Professional Football Sports Terrell Owens - SI Vault
San Francisco corner Nate Clements ($11.1 million) is the league's second-best paid defensive player after Julius Peppers and joins 49er's safety Michael Lewis as the highest-paid secondary duo at a combined $15.3 million.
Somehow I have to believe that Nate Clemens is thanking his lucky stars (and multiple bank accounts
) that he had an opportunity to play conerback at Ohio State.