The average NFL career is 3.3 years

The NFL Players Association puts the average career at about 3.3 years. The number is quoted constantly and it hides the more revealing story, because the average barely applies to anyone.

It depends almost entirely on position

• 01Running back: 2.57 years — the shortest of any position
• 02Wide receiver: 2.81 years
• 03Linebacker: 2.97 years
• 04Defensive line: 3.24 years
• 05Offensive line: 3.63 years
• 06Quarterback: 4.44 years
• 07Kicker and punter: 4.87 years — the longest

The players who get hit least, last longest.

What the spread actually measures

Two forces set these numbers: how much physical punishment the position absorbs, and how easily the league believes a player can be replaced. Running back scores badly on both. It is the position with the highest contact volume per snap and the one teams are most willing to treat as interchangeable.

Kickers sit at the other end for the mirror-image reason. Low contact, and a skill that takes years to develop and does not obviously transfer from the next man on the roster.

So when you hear a running back argue about guaranteed money, this is the table he is arguing from. His career is expected to be shorter than a college degree.