There's nothing honorable and moral about getting a college degree (1 Viewer)

[shader]

You'll see all kinds of sports writers say things about Andrew Luck (and any other players) who decide to stay in school. They'll make them out to be honorable and moral, and that they understand the "value of a college degree".

Horsecrap.

You get a degree for one reason. To get a career.

What better career in the world is there than a NFL QB?

Also, I'm sure Andrew Luck is very close to graduating and will have no problems getting his degree later if he so chose.

Luck probably stayed for a number of reasons. Perhaps he has a hot girlfriend that he doesn't want to leave. Perhaps he is such a campus stud that he wants to continue partying for another year.

Maybe he loves Stanford and wants to win a national championship.

Maybe he can't stand the thought of going to the Panthers.

Maybe he knows the lockout could potentially destroy his offseason and he would be totally unprepared for his rookie season.

But he's not doing it because it's "the right thing to do" and because getting a degree shows some sort of integrity. Sick of that argument.

 

[Northbound Train]

 

[davidwb]

I thought you went to learn? That's what I used to tell my freshmen when I advised them in my college professor days. Still believe it. When else in your life will you take a course in art history, or astronomy, or french, or whatever? Not because you have to (beside courses in your major and the few schools left with distribution requirements), but because you want to learn something new.

 

[renesauz]

I thought you went to learn? That's what I used to tell my freshmen when I advised them in my college professor days. Still believe it. When else in your life will you take a course in art history, or astronomy, or french, or whatever? Not because you have to (beside courses in your major and the few schools left with distribution requirements), but because you want to learn something new.

LEARNING doesn't have to occur in a college setting. You can take internet courses in the spring!My learning tells me it's silly to pass up several million dollars in order to get a degree worth (MAYBE) 100K a year at best. Common sense tells me that if I'm a high draft pick, there is ZERO financial incentive to stay in school, and instead a HUGE, unreasonable risk to my ability to command that multi-million dollar deal.Borderline players and late round picks should absolutely stay in school. High round picks (1st and 2nd) should absolutely, positively put school on the back burner. I'm 41, and back in school...it's no big deal to go back later!!!!!

 

[timschochet]

Not everyone goes to college to get a career. I believe Kobe Bryant has a degree from UCLA- what does he need a career for? Many people go to college in order to learn and they like having a degree which shows they achieved what they tried for. It is neither honorable nor dishonorable IMO, but it is an achievement that should be respected. And especially at a college like Stanford, which is one of this world's most outstanding universities, on a par with Harvard and Yale.

 

[timschochet]

I thought you went to learn? That's what I used to tell my freshmen when I advised them in my college professor days. Still believe it. When else in your life will you take a course in art history, or astronomy, or french, or whatever? Not because you have to (beside courses in your major and the few schools left with distribution requirements), but because you want to learn something new.

LEARNING doesn't have to occur in a college setting. You can take internet courses in the spring!My learning tells me it's silly to pass up several million dollars in order to get a degree worth (MAYBE) 100K a year at best. Common sense tells me that if I'm a high draft pick, there is ZERO financial incentive to stay in school, and instead a HUGE, unreasonable risk to my ability to command that multi-million dollar deal.Borderline players and late round picks should absolutely stay in school. High round picks (1st and 2nd) should absolutely, positively put school on the back burner. I'm 41, and back in school...it's no big deal to go back later!!!!!

This makes sense if your goal is to go high in the draft and earn as much money as possible. But monetary gain is not everyone's #1 goal. In the case of Andrew Luck, I think all of you guys are missing an important ingredient: what if he's....happy?

 

[The Redbeard]

You'll see all kinds of sports writers say things about Andrew Luck (and any other players) who decide to stay in school. They'll make them out to be honorable and moral, and that they understand the "value of a college degree".Horsecrap.You get a degree for one reason. To get a career.What better career in the world is there than a NFL QB?Also, I'm sure Andrew Luck is very close to graduating and will have no problems getting his degree later if he so chose.Luck probably stayed for a number of reasons. Perhaps he has a hot girlfriend that he doesn't want to leave. Perhaps he is such a campus stud that he wants to continue partying for another year. Maybe he loves Stanford and wants to win a national championship.Maybe he can't stand the thought of going to the Panthers.Maybe he knows the lockout could potentially destroy his offseason and he would be totally unprepared for his rookie season.But he's not doing it because it's "the right thing to do" and because getting a degree shows some sort of integrity. Sick of that argument.

 

[Rovers]

Maybe the OP didn't go to college.

 

[CompetitiveEdgeFootball]

 

[Zegras11]

Maybe the OP didn't go to college.

or flunked out...

 

[pinda]

I thought you went to learn? That's what I used to tell my freshmen when I advised them in my college professor days. Still believe it. When else in your life will you take a course in art history, or astronomy, or french, or whatever? Not because you have to (beside courses in your major and the few schools left with distribution requirements), but because you want to learn something new.

OP is a bit overboard but.......sign for $50 million plus and rent the video......or better yet, hire somebody to read the book to you, heck bring the class to your house. i'm a big believer in education. but come on. Learn from Leinart and Locker....even Bradford got a nice scare put in to him. The reason this is silly is simple, the new CBA may kill him from getting anything close to a $50 million contract, he still has an outside shot at it this year as there is talk the rookie cap won't come into effect until next year. Declare you are going pro but don't hire an agent. If the rookie cap comes in, go back as you are still eligible. If it comes in next year, take the money and run. Remember this guy can go back and take summer classes as well, he's 10 courses shy from a degree. Take 2 every summer and in 5 years you have a degree that you really can't use for 15 years anyway.

 

[kinnebrew]

Whatever his motives, we all have to remember that there are much more important things in life than football. It might be the most fun career and it might bring him the highest salary imaginable, but it is NOT important in the grand scheme. Intellectual learning to make yourself a better person is.

I know it wasn't the OP's point, but I guarantee there are people who are mad at this kid for this choice and I don't at all understand it. Those of us who have been to college know it would never be the same to go back to finish a degree as a 38-year-old continuing-ed student as it is when you're in your prime with all of your friends around. Life will never be that un-complicated again.

The constant one-upmanship in salaries tends to blur this, but let's face it. A couple of million bucks, invested wisely, is plenty to cover a guy for life. So what if he struggles next year and goes from an $80M guy to $10M?

There's this perception that guys like him and Locker are somehow less manly because they want to stay adolescents for another year. Personally, I think they're the real men because they know themselves well enough to fend off all those voices of agents, draft gurus and NFL general managers and do what's best for themselves.

 

[thayman]

Whatever his motives, we all have to remember that there are much more important things in life than football. It might be the most fun career and it might bring him the highest salary imaginable, but it is NOT important in the grand scheme. Intellectual learning to make yourself a better person is.

I know it wasn't the OP's point, but I guarantee there are people who are mad at this kid for this choice and I don't at all understand it. Those of us who have been to college know it would never be the same to go back to finish a degree as a 38-year-old continuing-ed student as it is when you're in your prime with all of your friends around. Life will never be that un-complicated again.

The constant one-upmanship in salaries tends to blur this, but let's face it. A couple of million bucks, invested wisely, is plenty to cover a guy for life. So what if he struggles next year and goes from an $80M guy to $10M?

There's this perception that guys like him and Locker are somehow less manly because they want to stay adolescents for another year. Personally, I think they're the real men because they know themselves well enough to fend off all those voices of agents, draft gurus and NFL general managers and do what's best for themselves.

I don't have much of an opinion one way or another, but he very well could be passing up the opportunity to set his family up finacially for life.

 

[greenheads]

having enough money a lot of money for yourself and your family is important to some people, especially people that never had a lot of it. Maybe his family doesn't need the money

Money alone doesn't solve everything or insure happiness

the Op's stance reminds me of TO's agent that said something like he has 13 million or whatever reasons not to kill himself (when suicide rumors were flying about him)

people said the same thing about Matt Lienart, when he decided to stay at usc, I bet that final year for him was the best of his life, had to be better than his stint in the NFL

 

[Hakan B.]

I don't have much of an opinion one way or another, but he very well could be passing up the opportunity to set his family up finacially for life.

Or he could be securing it even further. Tons of pro athletes make millions only to blow it all and end up broke at 40 due to bad decision-making and investing. I'm not saying he's going to take a life-changing personal finance course at Stanford that he couldn't take elsewhere, but Stanford is a top school and has a unique environment for helping someone learn and grow substantially that he may want to take advantage of before the NFL.That or his agents just think he's not ready / can make more cash next year.

 

[Hakan B.]

people said the same thing about Matt Lienart, when he decided to stay at usc, I bet that final year for him was the best of his life, had to be better than his stint in the NFL

+1

 

[FUBAR]

Getting a college degree may not be moral or honorable (although I think it is honorable), but following your own path and being true to yourself is certainly honorable.

His decision would be wrong for many people, but it might be best for him long term. Either way, it's his choice and I respect him for choosing his own path despite the criticism.

 

[bigmarc27]

I see both sides, but tend to agree that you go to gain the skills and knowledge necessary for a career. I earned my degree in Econ and use it in my career field. However, I see no point to receiving a degree in something like history or art anymore. With increasing tuition costs and online access to more information than imaginable, these types of degrees will be a thing of the past.

 

[ookook]

Two points:

a. Getting a college degree is not an investment in your future with clear ROI, it is an investment in oneself. At what price would I put a college education, which I use every day across all aspects of my life (not just a career)?

b. There is something important about finishing things that one has started and living up to your commitments.

 

[krsone21]

You'll see all kinds of sports writers say things about Andrew Luck (and any other players) who decide to stay in school. They'll make them out to be honorable and moral, and that they understand the "value of a college degree".Horsecrap.You get a degree for one reason. To get a career.What better career in the world is there than a NFL QB?Also, I'm sure Andrew Luck is very close to graduating and will have no problems getting his degree later if he so chose.Luck probably stayed for a number of reasons. Perhaps he has a hot girlfriend that he doesn't want to leave. Perhaps he is such a campus stud that he wants to continue partying for another year. Maybe he loves Stanford and wants to win a national championship.Maybe he can't stand the thought of going to the Panthers.Maybe he knows the lockout could potentially destroy his offseason and he would be totally unprepared for his rookie season.But he's not doing it because it's "the right thing to do" and because getting a degree shows some sort of integrity. Sick of that argument.

Who made you all high and mighty on how people should think. Some people have higher aspirations then playing for the NFL. Maybe he always wanted to get the degree for his chosen field. Who is it for us to say that he should or should not follow that dream. The NFL will be there for him next year if he is as good as everyone is making him out to be. Let the guy do what he wants on his own time table and not what you think he should do.

 

[JohnnyU]

You'll see all kinds of sports writers say things about Andrew Luck (and any other players) who decide to stay in school. They'll make them out to be honorable and moral, and that they understand the "value of a college degree".Horsecrap.You get a degree for one reason. To get a career.What better career in the world is there than a NFL QB?Also, I'm sure Andrew Luck is very close to graduating and will have no problems getting his degree later if he so chose.Luck probably stayed for a number of reasons. Perhaps he has a hot girlfriend that he doesn't want to leave. Perhaps he is such a campus stud that he wants to continue partying for another year. Maybe he loves Stanford and wants to win a national championship.Maybe he can't stand the thought of going to the Panthers.Maybe he knows the lockout could potentially destroy his offseason and he would be totally unprepared for his rookie season.But he's not doing it because it's "the right thing to do" and because getting a degree shows some sort of integrity. Sick of that argument.

Who made you all high and mighty on how people should think. Some people have higher aspirations then playing for the NFL. Maybe he always wanted to get the degree for his chosen field. Who is it for us to say that he should or should not follow that dream. The NFL will be there for him next year if he is as good as everyone is making him out to be. Let the guy do what he wants on his own time table and not what you think he should do.

I find it strange how we try to put ourselves in the minds of others. Luck could have many reasons for wanting to stay in college, none of which would interest us, but it isn't us, it's Andrew Luck and that's all that matters. I think a lot of dynasty fantasy football owners with several 1st rd picks are pissed. Deal with it.

 

[IvanKaramazov]

You get a degree for one reason. To get a career.

That's one reason to get a degree, and yeah I guess if you're majoring in a trade like engineering or architecture or accounting then it's pretty much the only reason. Becoming a well-educated person is a goal worth pursuing in its own right, though. Not that you necessarily have to have a college degree to be "well-educated," but it's a lot easier and more fun to study stuff like literature, philosophy, biology, economics, history, etc. in a formal educational setting. This should really be in the FFA by the way.

 

[Knight who says Ni]

The average career length in the NFL is what? 3-4 years? I don't know if that is what I would call a career ... a career is something you can still be doing at 50, 60 years. I didn't get an engineering degree because my goal was to "get a career" - it was something I wanted to do. If I was independently wealthy, I still would have gone to school for engineering. It is a reward for hard work, a source of pride, and something that nobody can take away from you. And if I break a leg or blow out a knee, I can still design circuits and control systems ...

 

[Andrew Garda]

The reason this is silly is simple, the new CBA may kill him from getting anything close to a $50 million contract, he still has an outside shot at it this year as there is talk the rookie cap won't come into effect until next year. Declare you are going pro but don't hire an agent. If the rookie cap comes in, go back as you are still eligible. If it comes in next year, take the money and run. Remember this guy can go back and take summer classes as well, he's 10 courses shy from a degree. Take 2 every summer and in 5 years you have a degree that you really can't use for 15 years anyway.

I can't say with definite knowledge but I think if he's drafted, he's done with college, I don't think he can do it halfway. The fact is, the new CBA will kill him either way - going in now does not mean he's getting 80 million aka stafford money. The new rookies will be beholden to the new rookie cap (if there is one) this year, in my opinion, if the NFLPA agrees to it - I cannot imagine the owners pushing for anything less then implementation this year. And of the things the NFLPA is most likely agree to, this tops the list. Lots of vets think rooks are way too overpaid. I think this is one area that is most likely to get done.I'd imagine NOT knowing what the CBA might look like, potentially NOT playing any football next year if the lockout goes ugly - those likely factored into it as well.I think his major, by the way, tells you a lot about what was important to him - the education. Not too many people get into architecture to cruise through school. Everyone I know who entered that major did so knowing it can be a demanding degree. To take that on while trying to become a NFL QB? I don't know very many people go out of their way to do it - and I would hazard a guess that those who do take their edumacation very seriously.On top of that, I really doubt he went to Stanford to become a pro QB because even two years ago they were pretty mediocre. Before that they were downright ugly.2007 - 4-82008 - 5-72009 - 8-5Steadily improving, sure. But given the academic standards of Stanford, the shape the team was in when Luck showed up and the degree he's going after I think he didn't go there thinking 'here's my free ticket to the NFL'.This is surely just my own insight and thoughts, no special knowledge of Luck other than what I've seen and history. So of course, I could be wrong. None of us know what's going on in his head. we're all just speculating.Also, I think it's a VERY different situation then Leinart (for example) because I think Leinart's goals were much more 'become a NFL QB' plus the glitz at USC was much different at the time than it is in Stanford even now. I think Leinart stayed to party. I think Luck is a much different case.Did he lose millions? Potentially. Would I have done it - at 20, 21, 22? To be honest, probably not. Hell if someone offered me one quarter of the money he left on the table now, I'd play QB for the Panthers until it killed me (over/under would be first snap).But he's not me, so I won't judge him on my incredibly hypothetical mythical QB career. It seems insane to leave that money on the table but honestly I think people are looking it through their own lenses far too closely.Will he regret it? Maybe. But I don't know I'd judge him as harshly as some are around the interwebs.

 

[Doug Drinen]

There's this perception that guys like him and Locker are somehow less manly because they want to stay adolescents for another year. Personally, I think they're the real men because they know themselves well enough to fend off all those voices of agents, draft gurus and NFL general managers and do what's best for themselves.

I don't have much of an opinion one way or another, but he very well could be passing up the opportunity to set his family up finacially for life.

I agree. Very selfish by Luck. Especially in light of the following:1. most former NFL players who go on to be athletic directors end up eating cat food at substandard old age homes.

2. most kids born into multi-million dollar families grow up far more well-adjusted and happy than those whose parents are mere Stanford grads.

 

[Otis]

There's this perception that guys like him and Locker are somehow less manly because they want to stay adolescents for another year. Personally, I think they're the real men because they know themselves well enough to fend off all those voices of agents, draft gurus and NFL general managers and do what's best for themselves.

I don't have much of an opinion one way or another, but he very well could be passing up the opportunity to set his family up finacially for life.

I agree. Very selfish by Luck. Especially in light of the following:1. most former NFL players who go on to be athletic directors end up eating cat food at substandard old age homes.

2. most kids born into multi-million dollar families grow up far more well-adjusted and happy than those whose parents are mere Stanford grads.

I don't disagree with this, but I can see why people would think it's foolish to pass up the chance at a guaranteed, what, 50 million? He could play football for a few years and then spend the rest of his life going to college, get 5 Phds, travel the world, and never have a care. I'm not saying I fault him for the decision, but man, talk about kicking yourself if, god forbid, something bad goes down this year...

 

[Andrew Garda]

I don't disagree with this, but I can see why people would think it's foolish to pass up the chance at a guaranteed, what, 50 million? He could play football for a few years and then spend the rest of his life going to college, get 5 Phds, travel the world, and never have a care. I'm not saying I fault him for the decision, but man, talk about kicking yourself if, god forbid, something bad goes down this year...

I cannot say this strongly enough;ThereIsNOGuaranteed50 millionWe have NO idea what a rookie alary cap will look like. None. It could be he'd get 50 mill anyway. Or it could be he'll earn 2 million. Either way if there is a rookie salary cap it's likely to kick in this year. Teams aren't resigning VETS because they don't know what a CBA will look like. Rookies will be in the same boat.Whatever happens I will bet it applies THIS year and in that case all that money you've seen before? Irrelevant to this discussion.

 

[benbadman]

hi i didn't get into Stanford either but I also don't want to be the Carolina Panthers QB.

 

[Stinger Ray]

It's amazing people are busting Luck for his decision but I am not surprised considering how many people here think the actually know what motivates him. Good for him! I admire him even more for doing that. He is going to be a great NFL QB.

 

[IvanKaramazov]

It's amazing people are busting Luck for his decision but I am not surprised considering how many people here think the actually know what motivates him.

It's really more like two sides of people talking past each other. The other thread has gone mostly like this:X: Luck values another year of college so much that he's willing to risk losing millions of dollars? That's crazy.Y: But you don't understand what motivates Luck. He values another year of college so much that he's willing to risk losing millions of dollars. See?

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

A mind is a terrible thing to waste.

Crumpled up at age 69 you don't think he will have wished having a Stanford degree and one more year as The Man on campus?

Ok, but you're not Andrew Luck. Everybody's gotta live their own life by what matters to them most.

 

[Andrew Garda]

It's amazing people are busting Luck for his decision but I am not surprised considering how many people here think the actually know what motivates him.

It's really more like two sides of people talking past each other. The other thread has gone mostly like this:X: Luck values another year of college so much that he's willing to risk losing millions of dollars? That's crazy.Y: But you don't understand what motivates Luck. He values another year of college so much that he's willing to risk losing millions of dollars. See?

But this is why I think we're all looking at this through OUR lense and not his. Few of us would give up even a couple million to play in the NFL. We just can't comprehend why someone would.

 

[jackdubl]

Not everyone goes to college to get a career. I believe Kobe Bryant has a degree from UCLA- what does he need a career for? Many people go to college in order to learn and they like having a degree which shows they achieved what they tried for. It is neither honorable nor dishonorable IMO, but it is an achievement that should be respected. And especially at a college like Stanford, which is one of this world's most outstanding universities, on a par with Harvard and Yale.

If I were in Luck's position and REALLY wanted my college degree(even though a college degree is now basically worth what a high school degree used to be worth) then I probably wouldn't play football that last year. I understand that most players wouldn't do that, because they are competitive and because they want to be there for their teammates. But it would seem to be the most prudent decision for someone who cannot increase their stock by playing and who says they are returning for their degree.

 

[Stinger Ray]

It's amazing people are busting Luck for his decision but I am not surprised considering how many people here think the actually know what motivates him.

It's really more like two sides of people talking past each other. The other thread has gone mostly like this:X: Luck values another year of college so much that he's willing to risk losing millions of dollars? That's crazy.Y: But you don't understand what motivates Luck. He values another year of college so much that he's willing to risk losing millions of dollars. See?

But this is why I think we're all looking at this through OUR lense and not his. Few of us would give up even a couple million to play in the NFL. We just can't comprehend why someone would.

How is he givng up a couple million? He will get his money in less than 18 months.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Not everyone goes to college to get a career. I believe Kobe Bryant has a degree from UCLA- what does he need a career for? Many people go to college in order to learn and they like having a degree which shows they achieved what they tried for. It is neither honorable nor dishonorable IMO, but it is an achievement that should be respected. And especially at a college like Stanford, which is one of this world's most outstanding universities, on a par with Harvard and Yale.

A Kobe comparison probably doesn't help an argument in favor of Luck here. Kobe came from even more privilege than Luck. His dad was an NBA player, he lived in Italy a few years, then went to HS on the main line. He skipped college at Duke and went directly to the NBA holding Charlotte hostage and he wasn't guaranteed anywhere near the money Luck is passing up and the injury risk is no where near the level as football. And then Kobe STILL got his degree. I hate Kobe, but he made all the right moves. Luck, not so much.

 

[omahabrad]

His decission is admirable but was a very poor bussiness decission. Locker lost maybe 60 million. Went from Maybe being the first pick to could be a 2nd rounder.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

It's amazing people are busting Luck for his decision but I am not surprised considering how many people here think the actually know what motivates him.

It's really more like two sides of people talking past each other. The other thread has gone mostly like this:X: Luck values another year of college so much that he's willing to risk losing millions of dollars? That's crazy.Y: But you don't understand what motivates Luck. He values another year of college so much that he's willing to risk losing millions of dollars. See?

But this is why I think we're all looking at this through OUR lense and not his. Few of us would give up even a couple million to play in the NFL. We just can't comprehend why someone would.

How is he givng up a couple million? He will get his money in less than 18 months.

What if the rookie cap/scale isn't implemented until next year's draft? What if he has a really poor season? What if he has a catastrophic injury? Right now he is the top pick overall. Who knows next year.

 

[Stinger Ray]

His decission is admirable but was a very poor bussiness decission. Locker lost maybe 60 million. Went from Maybe being the first pick to could be a 2nd rounder.

Come on. Do you really think Luck could be a 2nd round pick? I'd be willing to bet he will likely be the first pick again and if not likely in the top 5. There is no way a kid with his talent will fall to the 2nd round. Lost $60 million? That is just laughable and who cares? It's Luck's decision and his life.

 

[Stinger Ray]

It's amazing people are busting Luck for his decision but I am not surprised considering how many people here think the actually know what motivates him.

It's really more like two sides of people talking past each other. The other thread has gone mostly like this:X: Luck values another year of college so much that he's willing to risk losing millions of dollars? That's crazy.Y: But you don't understand what motivates Luck. He values another year of college so much that he's willing to risk losing millions of dollars. See?

But this is why I think we're all looking at this through OUR lense and not his. Few of us would give up even a couple million to play in the NFL. We just can't comprehend why someone would.

How is he givng up a couple million? He will get his money in less than 18 months.

What if the rookie cap/scale isn't implemented until next year's draft? What if he has a really poor season? What if he has a catastrophic injury? Right now he is the top pick overall. Who knows next year.

And who cares. It is his life.

 

[Andrew Garda]

It's amazing people are busting Luck for his decision but I am not surprised considering how many people here think the actually know what motivates him.

It's really more like two sides of people talking past each other. The other thread has gone mostly like this:X: Luck values another year of college so much that he's willing to risk losing millions of dollars? That's crazy.Y: But you don't understand what motivates Luck. He values another year of college so much that he's willing to risk losing millions of dollars. See?

But this is why I think we're all looking at this through OUR lense and not his. Few of us would give up even a couple million to play in the NFL. We just can't comprehend why someone would.

How is he givng up a couple million? He will get his money in less than 18 months.

No I agree - but in terms of giving up what's in front of you RIGHT NOW.He's likely to get paid, barring injury. even then, he could be sam bradford - hurt but the top pick anyway.

 

[Iwannabeacowboybaby!]

I think it's honorable to get a college degree. Everyone's entitled to make their own decisions.

 

[Stinger Ray]

It's amazing people are busting Luck for his decision but I am not surprised considering how many people here think the actually know what motivates him.

It's really more like two sides of people talking past each other. The other thread has gone mostly like this:X: Luck values another year of college so much that he's willing to risk losing millions of dollars? That's crazy.Y: But you don't understand what motivates Luck. He values another year of college so much that he's willing to risk losing millions of dollars. See?

But this is why I think we're all looking at this through OUR lense and not his. Few of us would give up even a couple million to play in the NFL. We just can't comprehend why someone would.

How is he givng up a couple million? He will get his money in less than 18 months.

No I agree - but in terms of giving up what's in front of you RIGHT NOW.He's likely to get paid, barring injury. even then, he could be sam bradford - hurt but the top pick anyway.

And right now he wants to play one more year in college. His money will come. Why does this bother people other than Carolina fans. From what I have seen from Luck I think the chances are very high he will be the #1 pick next year.

 

[Stinger Ray]

I think it's honorable to get a college degree. Everyone's entitled to make their own decisions.

 

[omahabrad]

His decission is admirable but was a very poor bussiness decission. Locker lost maybe 60 million. Went from Maybe being the first pick to could be a 2nd rounder.

Come on. Do you really think Luck could be a 2nd round pick? I'd be willing to bet he will likely be the first pick again and if not likely in the top 5. There is no way a kid with his talent will fall to the 2nd round. Lost $60 million? That is just laughable and who cares? It's Luck's decision and his life.

was talking about Locker being a second round. As for the 60 million was taking Bradford's contract as the ceiling. You're right about it being his life but still I feel it wasn't the wisest decission.

 

[Jewell]

You get a degree for one reason. To get a career.What better career in the world is there than a NFL QB?

I completely agree with this idea, but I would choose Hugh Hefner's career.

 

[Andrew Garda]

And right now he wants to play one more year in college. His money will come. Why does this bother people other than Carolina fans. From what I have seen from Luck I think the chances are very high he will be the #1 pick next year.

right, no I totally agree. AGain I think people just can't fathom passing on any figure with 6 or more zereos at the end being in their hand right now.I can't imagine I would. But I can deal with the fact that others might choose to.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

And right now he wants to play one more year in college. His money will come. Why does this bother people other than Carolina fans. From what I have seen from Luck I think the chances are very high he will be the #1 pick next year.

It doesn't bother me. It is his life and his decision. I just don't think it's a good one. The smart move for all these kids financially is to take the guaranteed money (NBA lottery picks, top 10 NFL etc).

 

[IvanKaramazov]

How is he givng up a couple million? He will get his money in less than 18 months.

Probably. Then again, he's one play from never playing a single down in the NFL too.

 

[Holy Schneikes]

I agree with the sentiment that "getting a degree" is probably overvalued and "over respected" (if that makes any sense) by our society at this point. Don't know that I'd go as far with it, but I get where he is coming from.

I think Luck has the right to do whatever he wants to do and I certainly wouldn't call him "crazy" either way. I don't THINK his choice would have been my choice, but I'm not in his shoes, so it's very hard to say for sure. I wish him the best either way.

BUT, back to the original diatribe. IF "society's respect" is the driving factor for Luck's decision, I think that's a bit of a shame. The fact that EVERYBODY in this day and age "has to" get a degree has devalued that very degree greatly. Not to mention the fact that GETTING that degree is simply not that hard anymore. I graduated from a big, well respected school (not Harvard, but not community college either), and I can say with absolute certainty that many of my fellow college graduates probably shouldn't have graduated from high school, let alone from a "university".

It's all a mind-set. "Educate yourself" has devolved into "go to college and get a degree". As other have mentioned, those aren't the same thing at all. Not everybody BELONGS in college, even if they have the ability to do well in college. It isn't just about being "smart enough". You could be Einstein, but if your passion in life is wood-working, you don't really need a college degree. You can "invest in yourself" (mega-cliche alert) a million other ways. And if you DO start college, there should be absolutely NO shame in changing course if it makes sense for you (but society DOES place shame on that, which I hate).

As a parent, I will be in the minority of folks NOT pushing my kids into the standard 4 year degree plan. If they want to go that route, I'll be thrilled. But if they want to take a different path, that's OK too. I WILL encourage them to gain knowledge and skill so that they might have more productive and more fun lives, but I'm going to try to be open-minded about it.

 

[Doug Drinen]

I agree with the sentiment that "getting a degree" is probably overvalued and "over respected" (if that makes any sense) by our society at this point. Don't know that I'd go as far with it, but I get where he is coming from.I think Luck as the right to do whatever he wants to do and I certainly wouldn't call him "crazy" either way. I don't THINK his choice would have been my choice, but I'm not in his shoes, so it's very hard to say for sure. I wish him the best either way.BUT, back to the original diatribe. IF "society's respect" is the driving factor for Luck's decision, I think that's a bit of a shame. The fact that EVERYBODY in this day and age "has to" get a degree has devalued that very degree greatly. Not to mention the fact that GETTING that degree is simply not that hard anymore. I graduated from a big, well respected school (not Harvard, but not community college either), and I can say with absolute certainty that many of my fellow college graduates probably shouldn't have graduated from high school, let alone from a "university".It's all a mind-set. "Educate yourself" has devolved into "go to college and get a degree". As other have mentioned, those aren't the same thing at all. Not everybody BELONGS in college, even if they have the ability to do well in college. It isn't just about being "smart enough". You could be Einstein, but if your passion in life is wood-working, you don't really need a college degree. You can "invest in yourself" (mega-cliche alert) a million other ways. And if you DO start college, there should be absolutely NO shame in changing course if it makes sense for you (but society DOES place shame on that, which I hate).As a parent, I will be in the minority of folks NOT pushing my kids into the standard 4 year degree plan. If they want to go that route, I'll be thrilled. But if they want to take a different path, that's OK too. I WILL encourage them to gain knowledge and skill so that they might have more productive and more fun lives, but I'm going to try to be open-minded about it.

I agree with every single word in this post (and I'm in the college degree business).