
557. When Is a Superstar Just Another Employee?
Freakonomics Radio
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The Pros and Cons of Playing in Professional Sports
Imagine graduating college and having the freedom to choose your dream job. Unfortunately, for athletes in professional sports, they don't get to choose which team they play for. In the NFL, teams have an annual draft where they select players based on the previous season's performance. Once chosen, players are bound to their teams for four years. While the top-ranked players may sign lucrative contracts, around 50% of NFL players make only the league minimum. It's a different game compared to other professions, where choice and negotiation are key factors in securing a job.
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