Freakonomics Radio 493. Why Does the Most Monotonous Job in the World Pay $1 Million?
Feb 10, 2022
Victor Matheson, an economics professor specializing in sports, and Chris Rubio, a longsnapping coach with unique training methods, discuss the surprising economics of long snapping in the NFL. They reveal how this specialized role transformed from a backup position to a millionaire's job just before the Super Bowl. The duo dives into the historical impact of specialization, highlighting long snappers' critical contributions to game outcomes. They also touch on safety regulations, coaching intricacies, and the financial implications of working in this niche sport.
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Specialization and Prosperity
- Specialization is key to prosperity, as Adam Smith argued.
- Focusing on one skill deeply leads to greater overall productivity.
Paul Ingalls' Poverty
- Paul Ingalls from "Little House on the Prairie" could do many things, but none well.
- This "jack-of-all-trades" approach kept his family in poverty.
Early Long Snappers
- Historically, long snappers were backup guards who weren't proficient at snapping.
- This often led to games being won or lost due to inaccurate snaps.