Compensation for professional football players during exhibition contests is a negotiated aspect of the collective bargaining agreement between the National Football League and the NFL Players Association. Rather than receiving their regular season salary, players are provided a set amount for each preseason game they participate in. This stipend is intended to cover their time and effort during these preparatory matches.
This payment structure acknowledges the risk of injury and the significant commitment required during the preseason period. It also represents a historical shift from earlier eras where such compensation was either minimal or nonexistent. The existence of preseason pay ensures that players are financially recognized for their participation, even though these games do not contribute directly to a team’s regular season record.