Dortch was compared to Camp earlier in the thread.
You said education was the one big factor. I disagree. If Dortch has a short NFL career, he'll earn more money before age 30 than most WF non-athlete grads earn before 40, at least. And in his estimation, now was the right time to start his pro football career.
I have no idea what Camp is doing now, but it would not be unreasonable that his future earnings will be driven at least as much from the cache of being a former NFL player than from his WF degree.
Maybe, maybe not. There is big upside along with serious risk.
It is really important that he gets drafted and makes the 53-man roster as a rookie to have a chance at a long career. He would make just under 500K in his first season in the scenario.
If he is UDFA and doesn't make the 53, his earning are way less and little is guaranteed. The examples I saw recently from top UDFA was like $7,500-$50K guaranteed at the top end. Plausible he could get almost nothing guaranteed. Also, he could be picked up and cut by multiple teams across the country, that would be a lot of extra expenses and difficult to manage.
A career like Camp would be above average. Camp got drafted, made the 53, got a
second contract from the Ravens for >$1M and received
another shot with the Titans. That's pretty damn good for a 7th round pick, but was actually a shorter career than average for a rookie that makes a 53-roster from what I could find.
No idea if employers care if someone played in the NFL or not, unless you are getting into coaching or a big-time name.
Like I said - I don't blame him at all for chasing a dream. But I wouldn't consider it a clear decision at all to leave early. Will be rooting for him to get drafted and make the 53!