Okay, let’s be real for a second! Who wouldn’t want to get one of the famous NFL Internships? It’s not just about watching football every Sunday and screaming at the ref through your TV. This league is a multi-billion-dollar giant that basically runs American sports culture. From sold-out stadiums to record-breaking Super Bowl commercials, the NFL shapes entertainment, business, and even social movements. And guess what? If you’re dreaming of getting your foot in the door, Internships at the NFL might just be your golden ticket.
Interning at the NFL isn’t like your typical coffee-fetching internship (seriously, no one’s sending you for lattes here). Whether you’re into sports management, media, athletic training, or even law, there’s a spot for you to learn from the pros and actually make an impact. This article is your ultimate guide to navigating NFL internships, from the different programs available to how to actually land one. Whether you’re a die-hard football fan or just someone looking for an incredible opportunity, let’s break it all down.
💡 For More Sports Internships: Click Here
The NFL Summer Internship Program | Recent Student Jobs
NFL -A Quick Overview
The National Football League (NFL) wasn’t always the massive sports empire we know today. It actually started way back in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association (APFA) before rebranding as the NFL in 1922. Back then, teams weren’t playing in massive stadiums with millions watching; they were competing in smaller venues with a fraction of today’s audience. But the league had a vision to make football America’s most beloved sport.
Fast forward to today, and that vision has definitely come true. The NFL dominates television ratings, social media, and even global sports culture. Its mission? To drive the growth of football while promoting integrity, sportsmanship, and inclusivity. The league has consistently evolved, from revolutionizing game-day technology to implementing safety measures that protect players. And let’s not forget its commitment to diversity and community outreach, with initiatives aimed at growing the sport beyond just the U.S.
Operations:
The NFL isn’t just a football league; it’s a corporate empire. The league consists of 32 teams spread across the U.S., divided into two conferences: the AFC (American Football Conference) and NFC (National Football Conference). Each year, teams battle it out to reach the Super Bowl, which is literally one of the most-watched events in the world.
Money-wise? The NFL is massive. In 2023 alone, the league generated over $18 billion in revenue, with some teams valued at over $5 billion. The Dallas Cowboys? They’re basically the Apple of football, valued at $9 billion. With multi-million-dollar sponsorships, lucrative TV deals, and merchandise sales, the NFL isn’t just playing football; it’s running a billion-dollar business.
The NFL Summer Internship Program:
So, what exactly is the NFL Summer Internship Program? Think of it as the NFL Draft, but for interns. This program is designed for college students and recent grads looking to break into the sports industry. But make no mistake, this isn’t just about sitting in an office doing boring tasks. The NFL actually invests in its interns, giving them real responsibilities, networking opportunities, and insider access to the sports world.
The internship lasts 10-12 weeks over the summer and covers various departments like media, finance, event planning, legal affairs, marketing, and more. Depending on your role, you could be working at NFL headquarters in New York, NFL Films in New Jersey, or even with specific teams across the country. And the best part? If you crush it, this internship could open doors to a full-time job at the NFL.
Why You Should Consider It:
Sure, interning at the NFL sounds cool, but let’s talk about real benefits. Why should you consider applying for the Summer Internship Program?
- The Ultimate Networking Opportunity
You’ll be working alongside industry professionals, meeting executives, and connecting with people who could literally change your career. This isn’t just another line on your resume, it’s a foot in the door. - Hands-On Experience
Unlike some internships where you’re stuck doing data entry, the NFL puts you to work. Whether it’s helping with game-day operations, assisting in marketing campaigns, or working on player analytics, you’ll be doing meaningful work that actually contributes to the league’s success. - Exposure to Different Career Paths
The NFL isn’t just about football, it’s about business, media, health, law, and marketing. If you’re not 100% sure what career path to take, this internship gives you a chance to explore different areas. - Resume Booster
Let’s be honest. Having “NFL Internship” on your resume? That’s a game-changer. Future employers will take you way more seriously when they see you’ve worked with one of the most influential sports organizations in the world. - Paid Internship (Yes, You Get Paid!)
Unlike some internships that offer nothing but “experience” (aka free labor), NFL internships actually pay. While salaries vary by role, most interns earn $15-$20 per hour, and some programs even offer weekly stipends. - A Shot at a Full-Time NFL Career
Many full-time employees at the NFL started as interns. If you perform well, impress your managers, and make strong connections, you might just land a permanent role within the league.
Types of Internships
Alright, so now let’s talk about the different types of internships you can apply for. The NFL is not just about players throwing touchdowns, there’s a whole army of professionals working behind the scenes to keep the league running smoothly. And guess what? As an intern, you get a chance to be part of that action.
From filming game highlights to helping injured players recover, there’s a wide variety of NFL internships to match your skills and interests. Below are the top 7 internships that will get you one step closer to an NFL career. Let’s break it down.
NFL Films Internship
If you’ve ever watched one of those epic NFL documentaries or slow-motion game recaps with dramatic music, you’ve seen the magic of NFL Films. This internship is perfect for those who love filmmaking, editing, and storytelling.
What You’ll Do:
- Work on game highlights, documentaries, and behind-the-scenes content.
- Edit footage, add effects, and maybe even help shoot content on-site.
- Collaborate with producers, editors, and some of the best sports media professionals in the game.
Location: Mount Laurel, NJ
Estimated Pay: $15/hour
Perfect for: Film students, content creators, or anyone obsessed with sports media.
Athletic Training Internship
If you’re into sports medicine, physical therapy, or fitness, this internship is where the real action happens. You’ll be working side by side with trainers and helping athletes stay in top shape.
What You’ll Do:
- Assist with injury prevention, rehab exercises, and player condition.
- Observe NFL trainers and learn about high-performance sports medicine.
- Get hands-on experience in strength training, recovery, and injury treatments.
Location: Various team facilities
Estimated Pay: Around $600/week
Perfect for: Aspiring athletic trainers, physical therapists, or sports science majors.
Team Internship
Ever wonder what it’s like to work directly for an NFL team? Well, here’s your chance. Team internships let you experience the business side of an actual NFL franchise, and every team has different roles available.
What You’ll Do:
- Work in ticket sales, operations, scouting, social media, or PR (depending on the team).
- Get involved in game-day logistics, press conferences, and fan engagement events.
- Learn how a team is run from top to bottom, this is where future GMs and team executives get their start!
Location: Varies by team
Estimated Pay: $15-$20/hour
Perfect for: Anyone who wants to work for an NFL team in marketing, sales, or operations.
Legal Internship
If you’re a law student who loves sports, this is the internship for you. The NFL’s legal team deals with contracts, compliance, sponsorship agreements, and even player disputes.
What You’ll Do:
- Assist lawyers with research, case studies, and contract reviews.
- Help with legal compliance for sponsorships, trademarks, and broadcasting rights.
- Learn about player negotiations and labor law in professional sports.
Location: New York, NY
Estimated Pay: $20/hour
Perfect for: Law students or pre-law majors interested in sports law and contracts.
NFL Rotational Program
Not sure which NFL career path is right for you? No problem! The NFL Rotational Program lets you work in multiple departments over a period of two years, giving you a 360-degree experience of the league.
What You’ll Do:
- Rotate through marketing, business strategy, HR, finance, and operations.
- Work on high-level projects that impact the league’s long-term goals.
- Gain mentorship from NFL executives (which could lead to a full-time job).
Location: Various NFL offices
Estimated Pay: Around $65,000/year
Perfect for: Business students or recent grads who want an in-depth look at the NFL.
Marketing & Events Internship
If you love branding, social media, and creating unforgettable events, this one’s for you. The NFL’s marketing team is responsible for huge events like the Super Bowl, the Draft, and Pro Bowl promotions.
What You’ll Do:
- Assist in social media campaigns, event planning, and brand partnerships.
- Help organize NFL fan experiences, sponsorship activations, and community outreach programs.
- Work with graphic designers, social media managers, and PR specialists to promote the league.
Location: New York, NY & Inglewood, CA
Estimated Pay: $15/hour
Perfect for: Marketing, PR, or communications majors who want hands-on sports experience.
Community Relations Internship
The NFL isn’t just about entertainment, it’s about giving back. If you’re passionate about community outreach, social justice, and making an impact, this is the role for you.
What You’ll Do:
- Help run NFL charity initiatives like Play 60 and Salute to Service.
- Organize fundraisers, youth football programs, and nonprofit collaborations.
- Work with the league’s social responsibility team to create meaningful change.
Location: New York, NY
Estimated Pay: $15/hour
Perfect for: Social work, nonprofit management, or communications students who love sports and community outreach.
Key Details:
Internship Type | Application Dates | Duration | Timeline | Location(s) | Estimated Salary |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
NFL Films Internship | Dec 1 – Jan 15 | 10 weeks | June 9 – Aug 15 | Mount Laurel, NJ | $15/hour |
Athletic Training Internship | Nov 15 – Dec 31 | 12 weeks | May – July | Various team locations | $600/week |
Team Internship | Varies by team | 10-12 weeks | Summer | Various NFL team cities | $15-$20/hour |
Legal Internship | Dec 1 – Jan 15 | 10 weeks | June – August | New York, NY | $20/hour |
NFL Rotational Program | Oct 1 – Oct 31 | 2 years | Starts July | Various NFL offices | $65,000/year |
Marketing and Events Internship | Dec 1 – Jan 15 | 10 weeks | June – August | New York, NY; Inglewood, CA | $15/hour |
Community Relations Internship | Dec 1 – Jan 15 | 10 weeks | June – August | New York, NY | $15/hour |
Internship Interview Questions with Sample Answers
Why do you want to intern with the NFL?
Describe a time you worked in a team setting.
How do you handle tight deadlines?
What do you know about the NFL's community initiatives?
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Application Process for NFL Internship
The NFL internship application process is pretty straightforward, but since it’s super competitive, you need to be on top of your game. First, you’ll need to find the right internship that matches your skills and interests. The best places to check are the NFL Careers website, individual NFL team websites, and job platforms like LinkedIn or Indeed. Once you’ve found the perfect role, it’s time to prepare your application, which includes a polished resume and a strong cover letter. Your resume should highlight relevant skills like teamwork, communication, and leadership, while your cover letter should explain why you want to work for the NFL and how your experience makes you a great fit. After that, submit your application before the deadline.
If your application stands out, you’ll be invited to an interview, usually starting with a virtual round (Zoom or phone call), followed by a possible final round with NFL staff or team representatives. Expect questions about your background, teamwork experience, problem-solving skills, and your knowledge of the NFL’s operations. If you impress them, you’ll receive a formal offer letter detailing your role, pay, and internship start date. If you don’t get selected, don’t sweat it, keep building your experience, stay in touch with recruiters, and try again next year!