Perhaps these high-profile athletes would use their popularity to address the drug epidemic. They need to discourage kids from trying these drugs, pushing these drugs and keeping quiet about those who sell these drugs.
As long as the illegal industry is keeping kids employed with high paying drug marketing incomes, they will not try to benefit from an education. For them, the schools will be a market for their drugs and a place to find girls for sex—not an education.
Do you really think the NFL players you refer to would want to cut off their sources for drugs and girls?