What a pro athlete's paystub looks like.

[Patler]

High School players are also something like 6 times more likely to play in the MLB (0.5%) than in the NFL (0.08%).

https://www.ncaa.org/sites/default/f...Update2013.pdf

I imagine that the longevity of careers and lack of severe brain injuries also is pretty one-sided.

Then again, 99% will not make either league and even fewer will earn much more than the minimum, so play what you enjoy.

I think it is measuring "professional", not MLB or NFL. There aren't a lot of professional opportunities in football other than the NFL. Hockey, baseball and basketball have their "minor leagues" as well as professional leagues in other countries.

[sharpe1027]

I think it is measuring "professional", not MLB or NFL. There aren't a lot of professional opportunities in football other than the NFL. Hockey, baseball and basketball have their "minor leagues" as well as professional leagues in other countries.

As best as I can determine, it is the percentage drafted. So, undrafted FA's aren't counted, but drafted players that are cut or never make it to the final rosters are counted. There are a lot more players drafted for MLB because of the minors; but that is still a paying gig with a potential big payout down the road. Also, part of the differences is that there are also twice as many high school football players as there are high school baseball players.

As I said, the odds are so small regardless. So, you might as well just do what you like the most (and you're probably more likely to be better at something you like anyway).