Frequently Asked Questions
What decision did Jeff Samardzija make between NFL and MLB?
Jeff Samardzija chose to pursue baseball over football despite being projected as a late first-round NFL pick. The Cubs drafted him in the fifth round of the 2006 draft and he signed a five-year $10 million deal, launching a career that has lasted over a decade in the MLB.
How much money did Kyler Murray get from the Oakland Athletics?
Kyler Murray was drafted ninth overall by the Oakland Athletics and awarded a $4.66 million contract. Despite this significant baseball contract, he decided to enter the NFL Draft instead.
What were Kyler Murray's college baseball and football stats?
In baseball, Murray posted a career .261 batting average with 10 home runs and a .466 slugging percentage over two years at Oklahoma. In football, he totaled 42 touchdowns and 4,361 passing yards, leading Oklahoma to the College Football Playoff.
How long has Jeff Samardzija's MLB career lasted compared to average NFL careers?
Jeff Samardzija is entering his 10th year in the MLB and is still pitching for the San Francisco Giants. This contrasts with the average NFL career length of just 3-6 years, showing the longevity advantage of baseball.
What happened to Christian Ponder as an example of NFL career risks?
Christian Ponder was the 12th overall pick in 2011 but was replaced by Teddy Bridgewater by 2014 and was done with the NFL after just four seasons. His retirement at 26 years old exemplifies how quickly NFL careers can end for high draft picks who don't perform immediately.