Can NFL players participate in fantasy football?
Though most won’t admit to it, there are in fact many players across the league today, who are participating in private fantasy football games with money at stake.
It’s no secret that NFL players are forbidden from gambling and any other competition that involves direct payment as an outcome. However, there is still a degree of confusion on whether pro players can draft their teams in fantasy football.
Are NFL players allowed to play fantasy football?
The answer is yes, but they cannot earn considerable sums of money. They are permitted to play as long as they are not reaching above the limit set at $250. However, this rule applies to players and all NFL personnel, including the coaches, executives, and any other staff members of an NFL team.
“NFL Personnel may not accept prizes valued over Two Hundred Fifty Dollars ($250) in any fantasy football game. This prohibition is intended to avoid any appearance of impropriety which may result from participation in fantasy football games by individuals perceived to have an unfair advantage due to their preferential access to information.”
Does the NFL policy on fantasy football make sense?
Despite the NFL has established a difference between the two, many people still find it difficult to understand why gambling is banned, and fantasy is allowed if, in essence, they both lead to the possibility of making money.
To be clear, the NFL’s policy says: “Fantasy football games and League or Club-sponsored skills competitions (e.g., racquetball tournaments, ‘Club Olympics’ events) for prizes generally are not considered to be gambling or a gambling-related activity, provided that there is no wagering on the outcome.”
How many players draft a team?
Each year, the number of players who get engaged in fantasy football rises. According to NFL Fantasy Football reporter Adam Caplan, about a quarter of the players he had interviewed have admitted to playing fantasy. Meanwhile, the phenomenon game is still a taboo for players as it is very much socially associated with gambling, and many of them remain reluctant to be criticized or risk their jobs. “Rarely do I hear anyone say they participate in it,” said Panthers CB Teddy Williams.
On the other hand, Dallas Cowboys Ken Bishop, who was asked by Bleacher Report to give an estimated number, guessed 50 percent of NFL players actively play fantasy football. “I think people play but don’t talk about it,” he added. Behind closed doors, however, the number of players drafted on a team rises exponentially. “I got addicted,” RB Albert Young admitted in a statement.