I’ve heard the average career length of an NFL player is three years. There are always young players coming out of college, ready to take their places.
Age 30 is an old man in the NFL.
In 1982 I had the opportunity to attend breakfast sponsored by the NFL Alumni. I sat at a table with Packers Willie Davis and Jerry Kramer. I was not packers fan, but just WOW. The worst part was when we were all standing around, watching the retirees limping with bad hips and knees blown out. Some of them in their early 40s.
My understanding is 3.5 years. So many of them assume they’ll be the next big thing, blow whatever money they make and find themselves soon out of the league and in heavy debt.
Only the very few stay around for a long time and they’re usually wise enough to manage their money as well.