Well, no argument here that UT has placed it's share of players in the NFL and old AFL. So, good return for sure. Just out of curiosity (I'm too lazy to research this) I wonder what percent of UT players played in the NFL? Pretty small I bet. And, of those who played in the NFL I wonder how many went on to have successful NFL after-lives? I do realize that “successful” is a subjective word. But, I suppose the question is; for most of these NFL players, was there a positive payback resulting from their NFL experience? Just wondering as I have read about so many who left the NFL dead broke and crippled. Btw, I'm not anti football, NFL or anything of the sort as I played high school football in a little town not much larger than Marfa, except I played 11 man ball and Marfa plays 6 man ball - bit of trivia. Anyway, I just believe that receiving a degree (which most college players do not) trumps a few years in the NFL or NBA for that matter for the vast majority.
It’s definitely a small percentage of college players (UT included) who make lasting, successful careers in the pros. I agree 100% with your statement about the value of a college degree over a couple of years in the NFL. Lots of UT players who’ve played in the NFL for a few seasons end up selling cars at the various Austin dealerships.