{
  "id": 14706757,
  "title": "‘That is more than my…’ – NFL fans discuss incredible $85,000 ‘waterboys’ claim",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/15/that-is-more-than-my-nfl-fans-discuss-incredible-85-000-waterboys",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-15T13:40:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/more-nfl-fans-discuss-incredible-134000448.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A social media report has ignited discussion among NFL fans about the substantial salaries of the league's \"waterboys.\" Despite the informal title, the job may involve more responsibilities than merely delivering water bottles to players during games. The reality is that it can serve as an entry-level position for individuals aspiring to forge a career in professional football. These employees typically work as equipment or athletic-support staff, interns, college students, or those pursuing careers in sports management, coaching, or athletic training.\n\nIt is noteworthy that the NFL, being the world's most valuable sports league, ensures that its coaches, coordinators, and star players earn millions throughout their careers. Consequently, it comes as no surprise that even the lowest-ranking staff members in the organization might be making surprisingly lucrative incomes.\n\nA post on X revealed that NFL waterboys reportedly earn over $5,000 per game, with some making more than $85,000 throughout a 17-game season. This revelation has sparked mixed reactions from fans. Some consider it to be an easy job, while others acknowledge that it is not as simple as it may appear.\n\nOne fan commented, \"You gotta know somebody that know somebody that know somebody to get that type of job ngl.\" Another fan clarified, \"Those aren't waterboys, those are athletic trainers. You have to go to college and get a degree just to do that.\" A third fan exclaimed, \"What?! I think that is more than my salary and I've been working since the 80s.\" A fourth fan humorously questioned, \"I BEG you to employ me to do this job I will be the most efficient water boy you've ever seen and will take us to Super Bowl.\"\n\nThe article emphasizes that securing a position like this often relies on connections that not everyone can easily obtain. The sports industry generally hires from within, and these roles often require more than fans may initially realize. If they are indeed earning such significant salaries, it is likely due to responsibilities beyond simply handing out water bottles.",
  "summary": "A report has been making the rounds on social media about how much the NFL’s ‘waterboys’ are earning, and fans have a lot to say about it. Every fan of the NFL dreams about working with their favourite team at one point or another, especially when they are younger.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}