When we think about the NFL, we often focus on the players, the coaches, and the big game-day moments. But behind the scenes, there’s a crucial role that helps keep everything running smoothly: the waterboy. Though they might not have the spotlight, these professionals play an important part in ensuring players stay hydrated and are ready to perform.
So, how much do they make, and what does the job really entail?
How Much Do NFL Waterboys Make?
NFL waterboys typically earn between $50,000 and $60,000 per year during the regular season, with full-time hours reaching up to 40 hours a week. However, their pay can fluctuate depending on the team and its location. For example, teams in larger markets or with bigger budgets might pay more, while smaller teams could offer less. The pay is decent for an entry-level position, but it’s important to note that waterboys aren’t paid during the preseason, and their pay tends to drop during the offseason.
Many waterboys continue working in the offseason, helping players with training, recovery, and rehabilitation sessions. This can help offset the drop in income during the quieter months. While the salary might not rival that of the star players, it’s still a good income for a job that doesn’t require years of advanced education. Plus, the opportunity to work in the NFL and gain experience with top athletes is a huge draw for many aspiring professionals.
Many waterboys continue working in the offseason, helping players with training, recovery, and rehabilitation sessions. This can help offset the drop in income during the quieter months. While the salary might not rival that of the star players, it’s still a good income for a job that doesn’t require years of advanced education. Plus, the opportunity to work in the NFL and gain experience with top athletes is a huge draw for many aspiring professionals.
In addition to the salary, NFL waterboys enjoy several perks, including health benefits, paid time off, and even free game tickets. They can also take advantage of discounts on team merchandise. These perks make the position even more appealing, especially for sports fans who dream of working closely with professional athletes and being part of the action. Even though the pay might not be as high as other roles in the NFL, the overall experience and benefits make it a worthwhile job for many.
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Also Read: What Is The Average Salary For NFL Referees?
What Do NFL Waterboys Do?
The job of an NFL waterboy isn’t as simple as it sounds. They’re responsible for ensuring players stay hydrated throughout the game, which involves filling water bottles, handing out towels, and ensuring players have what they need during practice and games. But there’s more to it. Waterboys must also maintain the sideline, ensuring they stay out of the players’ way while staying ready to assist when needed. This requires quick thinking and the ability to anticipate what players need without disrupting their focus.
Waterboys aren’t just there to hand out drinks. They also assist with other tasks like helping players with their towels, managing player hydration schedules, and keeping things organized. At the end of practices or games, waterboys are tasked with cleaning the water bottles and towels, storing them for future use, and ensuring everything is in order for the next session. They’re an important part of the training and support staff, often working closely with athletic trainers and other team professionals.
Waterboys aren’t just there to hand out drinks. They also assist with other tasks like helping players with their towels, managing player hydration schedules, and keeping things organized. At the end of practices or games, waterboys are tasked with cleaning the water bottles and towels, storing them for future use, and ensuring everything is in order for the next session. They’re an important part of the training and support staff, often working closely with athletic trainers and other team professionals.
While the job is entry-level, many waterboys have backgrounds in athletic training or sports medicine. This makes them a crucial part of a team’s health and wellness department, even if their primary job is to focus on hydration. It’s a position that can help aspiring professionals break into the sports industry and open doors to other opportunities within athletic training or sports medicine.
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