Twenty-five years ago, alongside acting legends Kathy Bates and Henry Winkler, Adam Sandler starred in the cult classic movie, “The Waterboy.”
Sandler portrayed Bobby Boucher, a lovable waterboy turned star linebacker. Boucher illustrated the importance of a waterboy to a football team, warming our hearts along the way.
While this may sound like a movie review, it does show some of the responsibilities one has to take on in such a role. Here is a deep dive into NFL waterboys, including whether they get paid — and if they do, how much.
Do Waterboys in the NFL Get Paid?
During the NFL season, the waterboy is a critical full-time position, working 40 hours a week. Teams may have multiple waterboys to handle practices and games as well.
Most NFL waterboys make between $50,000 and $60,000 per year. However, some don’t get paid and instead receive internships for high school or college.
While their in-season salary is pretty good, waterboys tend to be paid less during the offseason since there are no practices or games. However, those who remain on for the offseason are tasked with helping players train at the team facility.
Additionally, waterboys don’t get paid for the preseason, and their salaries fluctuate depending on the location and market of the team they work for.
Do Waterboys Sign a Contract With the NFL?
Waterboy is a salary-paid position, so workers are required to sign a contract outlining their duties and job responsibilities. They must also sign a non-compete agreement to avoid jumping from team to team.
In addition to the salary, there are several perks to being an NFL waterboy. The league has a benefits package, including health insurance, mental health, and dental. Waterboys are eligible for paid leave, including 16 weeks of paid parental leave and two weeks of paid family leave.
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The perks don’t end there, either. Waterboys can also receive free NFL tickets and discounts on NFL merchandise, and they get 12 paid holidays per year.
What Do Waterboys Do?
While they are known as waterboys, the role is not gender-specific. As an entry-level position, waterboys are vital members of an NFL team’s training staff. Actually, many trainers began their NFL careers as waterboys.
Jonah Williams aka the Water Boy🤣 pic.twitter.com/5JYeki8skO
— James Rapien (@JamesRapien) August 11, 2023
As the name suggests, waterboys are responsible for filling water bottles and keeping players hydrated. They’re also responsible for providing players with towels.
After every game and practice, waterboys are required to store the water bottles and towels once they have been cleaned.
Can Anyone Become a Waterboy?
Obviously, here’s the biggest question that will arise from all of this: Can you, or anyone for that matter, be an NFL waterboy?
Most NFL waterboys have an extensive background in sports medicine and health science. Additionally, many teams require that they possess knowledge of the NFL’s rules and regulations.
In many cases, college football trainers transition into NFL waterboys. The league accepts applicants through the official NFL website through its career section.
