How Much Does an NFL Ball Boy Make?

For many football enthusiasts, the idea of being on the sidelines of an NFL game, even in a support role, is a dream come true. One such role is that of a ball boy (or ball person), a seemingly simple yet crucial position that contributes to the smooth flow of the game. If you’ve ever wondered about the financial aspects of this role, you’ve come to the right place. This comprehensive guide will delve into the potential earnings of an NFL ball boy in 2025, along with other important aspects of the job.

Understanding the Role of an NFL Ball Boy

Before we discuss compensation, it’s essential to understand what an NFL ball boy actually does. Their primary responsibility is to retrieve stray footballs during games and practices, ensuring that the game can continue without significant delays. However, their duties often extend beyond this core task.

Typical Responsibilities of an NFL Ball Boy:

• Ball Retrieval: Quickly and efficiently retrieving footballs that go out of bounds or are not in play.
• Ball Supply: Ensuring that game officials and players have an adequate supply of properly inflated footballs.
• Equipment Assistance: Assisting with the setup and breakdown of equipment before and after games and practices. This might include setting up kicking tees or holding nets.
• Field Maintenance: Helping to keep the sidelines clear and free of debris.
• Hydration and Towels: Some ball boys may also assist in providing water and towels to players during breaks.
• General Support: Depending on the team’s needs, they might perform other minor tasks as directed by team staff.

Being an NFL ball boy requires attentiveness, agility, and a basic understanding of the game’s flow. They need to be quick on their feet, have good hand-eye coordination, and be able to follow instructions effectively. Punctuality and reliability are also crucial.

What is the Expected Salary for an NFL Ball Boy in 2025?

Pinpointing the exact salary of an NFL ball boy can be challenging as it can vary based on several factors, including the specific team, the individual’s experience, and the nature of their employment (e.g., part-time, seasonal). However, based on available data and general employment trends, we can provide a reasonable estimate for 2025.

According to recent data from March 2025, the average hourly pay for a Ball Boy in the United States is approximately $14.16. However, this figure represents an average across various sports and levels. When focusing specifically on the NFL, the compensation can be slightly different.

Salary Ranges Based on Percentiles (as of March 2025):

• Top Earners (90th Percentile): Up to $19.95 per hour, potentially translating to an annual salary around $39,000 if working full-time hours.
• 75th Percentile: Around $15.62 per hour, or roughly $32,500 annually.
• Average: Approximately $14.16 per hour, equating to an annual salary of about $29,444.
• 25th Percentile: Around $12.02 per hour, or an annual salary of approximately $25,000.
• Lower End (10th Percentile): As low as $9.13 per hour, which would result in a lower annual income.

It’s important to note that these figures are estimates and can fluctuate. Many ball boy positions are likely part-time or seasonal, coinciding with the NFL season. Therefore, the total annual earnings might be less than what a full-time hourly rate would suggest.

Factors Influencing Salary:

• Team: Teams in larger markets or those with greater financial resources might offer slightly higher compensation.
• Experience: While it’s often an entry-level position, individuals with prior experience as a ball boy or in similar roles might command a higher wage.
• Hours Worked: The number of hours worked per week and the duration of the season will significantly impact total earnings. Ball boys typically work during practices and home games.
• Specific Duties: If the role includes additional responsibilities beyond basic ball retrieval, the compensation might reflect that.

Additional Perks and Benefits

While the hourly wage provides a direct measure of income, it’s worth considering any additional perks or benefits that might come with being an NFL ball boy. These can vary greatly from team to team but could include:

• Game Day Access: The opportunity to be on the sidelines during NFL games, a unique and exciting experience for any football fan.
• Interaction with Players and Staff: Potential interactions with NFL players, coaches, and other team personnel.
• Team Gear: Some teams might provide ball boys with team apparel or equipment.
• Networking Opportunities: While not guaranteed, being part of the team environment could potentially lead to future opportunities within the organization or the sports industry.
• Experience in Professional Sports: The role provides valuable experience in the operations of a professional sports team, which can be beneficial for those pursuing careers in the field.

It’s unlikely that ball boys receive the comprehensive benefits packages offered to full-time NFL employees (such as extensive health insurance, retirement plans, etc.). However, the unique experiences and potential perks can add value to the role beyond the direct monetary compensation.

How to Become an NFL Ball Boy

If you’re interested in becoming an NFL ball boy, the path isn’t always straightforward, and it’s a competitive field. Here are some general steps and considerations:

• Age Requirements: Most teams likely prefer candidates who are of high school age or older due to the responsibilities involved.
• Physical Fitness: You need to be reasonably fit and agile to perform the duties effectively.
• Interest in Football: A genuine passion for the sport and a basic understanding of the rules are usually expected.
• Application Process: NFL teams typically handle their own hiring for support staff roles. You’ll need to check the individual team’s website for job openings or internship opportunities. These positions might be listed under employment, careers, or internships.
• Networking: Connections can sometimes play a role. If you know someone within the NFL organization, expressing your interest might be beneficial.
• Internships: Some teams might offer internships that include ball boy duties as part of a broader set of responsibilities.
• Local Connections: Often, teams might recruit locally through high schools or community sports programs.

It’s important to be proactive and persistent in your search. Keep an eye on team websites, and be prepared to apply if you see an opportunity that fits your interests and qualifications.

Challenges of Being an NFL Ball Boy

While the idea of being close to the action is appealing, there are also challenges associated with the role:

• Long Hours: Game days can be long, and practices also require a significant time commitment.
• Demanding Physical Activity: Constantly running to retrieve balls and assisting with equipment can be physically tiring.
• Exposure to Weather: You’ll be working outdoors in all types of weather conditions.
• Need for Focus: Maintaining focus and attentiveness throughout the game or practice is crucial to perform the job effectively.
• Low Pay (Relative to the Industry): While the hourly rate is comparable to some entry-level jobs, it’s significantly lower than the salaries of players and coaches.
• Limited Advancement Opportunities: The role is typically an entry-level one with limited direct paths for advancement within the team.

Despite these challenges, for those who are passionate about football and eager to be involved in the NFL environment, the role of a NFL ball boy can be a rewarding experience.

The 2025 NFL Landscape and Salary Cap

It’s worth briefly noting the overall financial health of the NFL as it relates to potential compensation for various roles. For the 2025 season, the NFL salary cap has been set at a record high of $279.2 million per club. This represents a significant increase from previous years, indicating the league’s continued financial growth.

While the NFL ball boy’s salaries are a tiny fraction of this massive cap, the overall financial stability of the league suggests that teams are likely to maintain or even slightly increase compensation for support staff.

Conclusion

In 2025, an NFL ball boy can expect to earn an hourly wage ranging from approximately $9 to $20, with the average being around $14 per hour. This can translate to an annual income of roughly $20,000 to $40,000, depending on the number of hours worked and the specific team.

While the financial rewards might not be the primary motivation for most, the opportunity to be part of the NFL, experience the excitement of game days from the sidelines, and potentially interact with professional athletes makes the role a unique and sought-after one for many football enthusiasts. If you’re passionate about the game and looking for an entry-level opportunity within the NFL, being a NFL ball boy could be a valuable and memorable experience. Remember to check the career pages of individual NFL teams for specific openings and application procedures as the 2025 season approaches.