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620. Why Don’t Running Backs Get Paid Anymore?

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January 31, 2025

TLDR: Discussion on the reduced careers and salaries of NFL running backs featuring an analytics guru, agents, former running backs like LeSean McCoy, Roland Fryer (Economist and former Pop Warner running back), and industry experts.

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In the latest Freakonomics Radio episode titled "620. Why Don’t Running Backs Get Paid Anymore?" hosted by Stephen Dubner, a panel of former NFL running backs, economists, and data scientists explore the decline of running back salaries in the NFL. Once among the highest-paid players, it seems these athletes' value has diminished over the last few decades. Here's a summary of the episode's key discussions, concepts, and insights.

The Shift in Football's Economy

The Glory Days of Running Backs

  • Running backs were once the stars of the NFL, loved by fans who idolized players like Tony Dorsett, Barry Sanders, and Franco Harris.
  • Traditionally, running backs commanded higher salaries, ranking second behind quarterbacks just 30 years ago. Today, they sit at the 13th position in pay.

The Rise of the Passing Game

  • The NFL has transitioned to a primarily passing league, changing the dynamics of the game. Passing plays have become more sophisticated, while running plays have been seen as less valuable.
  • Economists argue that passing plays yield higher expected points per play, resulting in a decline in perceived value for running backs.

Analysis of the Decline

Key Contributors

  1. Analytics Revolution

    • Brian Burke, an analytics guru, highlights how data has shown that passing plays are generally more effective than running plays. This insight has led teams to prefer passing strategies.
  2. Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBA)

    • The 2011 CBA implemented a rookie wage scale that limited the earning potential of young players, particularly running backs, by allowing teams to control them for five years. This means that many peak running backs enter free agency at a late career stage with diminished perceived value.
  3. Physical Demands and Career Longevity

    • Running backs face higher injury risks and often have shorter careers due to the physical toll of the position. The average career length has dropped from over five years two decades ago to just about two and a half years today.

Changing Market Dynamics

  • The NFL is now a $20 billion industry, with quarterback salaries skyrocketing while running backs' salaries have risen only minimally.
  • Agents like Jeffrey Whitney confirm that the focus has shifted to more lucrative positions such as wide receivers and quarterbacks, leaving running backs on the sidelines.

Voices from the Pros

Former Running Backs Speak Out

  • LeSean McCoy shares his experience, stating: "It's unfair... because I don’t play quarterback, I can’t get paid the right value for my position."
  • Robert Smith echoes McCoy's frustrations, indicating that despite the significant impact running backs can have on games, their contributions often go unnoticed compared to quarterbacks.

The Impact of Style of Play

  • Teams are increasingly adopting a running back-by-committee approach, employing multiple running backs to distribute workload and minimize injury risk. This approach has reduced the value attributed to individual running back talent.

Looking Ahead: Can the Tide Turn?

The Future of Running Backs

  • Despite current challenges, some experts suggest a potential renaissance for running backs as teams that leverage elite running talent might see success.
  • The cyclical nature of trends in sports indicates that running backs may reclaim some value over time but would need essential support from strong offensive lines and effective game plans.

Strategic Recommendations

  • Some experts argue that for aspiring young athletes, choosing positions that allow for greater longevity and financial stability might be wiser, with suggestions to consider special teams positions such as kickers or long snappers.

Conclusion

The episode effectively highlights the intersection of economics, analytics, and the evolving nature of football. With insights from former players and experts, it paints a comprehensive picture of why running backs are no longer compensated as they once were, while simultaneously igniting discussions about the future role and value of this critical position in the NFL.

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