NFL Policies
NFL Collective Bargaining Agreement (“CBA”)
The CBA (effective March 15, 2020) is the primary document regarding employment with the NFL, and includes extensive discussion of: The NFL player contract, the college draft, compensation, workout regulations, injuries, benefits, and discipline.
The personal conduct policy details the conduct expected for NFL players, investigations, discipline, and related issues.
NFL Policy on Performance Enhancing Substances (“PES”)
The PES policy details the NFL’s policy regarding performance enhancing substances, testing protocols, discipline for violations, exemptions, and more.
The NFL’s policy is clear: “Players are responsible for what is in their bodies and a positive test will not be excused because a Player was unaware that he was taking a prohibited substance.”
Certain medications for medical issues (e.g., ADHD, altitude sickness, hypertension, etc.) are prohibited. Players MUST be proactive in obtaining a Therapeutic Use Exemption BEFORE testing to avoid a violation/discipline.
NFL Policy and Program on Substances of Abuse
This policy addresses the use of illegal drugs, abuse of prescription and over-the-counter drugs, and alcohol. The primary goal of the policy is to help players that need assistance; however, substance abuse can result in discipline.
As with the PES policy, players MUST be proactive in obtaining a Therapeutic Use Exemption BEFORE testing to avoid a violation/discipline, and a player will be held responsible for whatever goes into his body.
The NFL’s gambling policy establishes the rules regarding gambling and discipline for violations. While there are exceptions, 8180 Sports advises all of its clients to avoid any gambling. Betting on NFL games will result in a minimum 1 year suspension; actual or attempting game “fixing” will result in banishment for LIFE. Any gambling in the “workplace” (including on the road with the team) will result in a 2 game suspension WITHOUT PAY. If in doubt, a player should consult his agent, his team, and/or the NFLPA to be safe.
NFL Athlete/Prospect Resources
Standard Representation Agreement (“SRA”)
The SRA is the agreement between a player and his NFLPA-certified agent. NOTE: Entering into an SRA may cause a player to lose NCAA eligibility.
NFLPA Regulations Governing Contract Advisors
These regulations detail the certification requirements and the standard of conduct for all NFLPA-certified agents.
Rules Governing Financial Advisors
These regulations set forth the eligibility requirements and code of conduct for all NFLPA-certified financial advisors.
College All-Star Game Resources
College Football All-Star Games: Senior Bowl; East-West Shrine Bowl; American Bowl; Hula Bowl; College Gridiron Showcase; Dream Bowl.
The Senior Bowl and East-West Shrine Bowl remain the pinnacle of the all-star game circuit, providing an amazing opportunity to showcase talent in front of scouts and executives from the NFL. Of the 319 players invited to the Combine, the Senior Bowl accounted for 130+, and Shrine accounted for 90+.
While Tropical Bowl was cancelled in 2026, the inaugural American Bowl showcased top tier talent under director Scott Phillips. Here are some draft statistics from the other four major showcases:
American Bowl – 120 attendees, 11 draft picks, 67 UDFA deals, 29 tryouts.
Hula Bowl – 109 attendees, 7 draft picks, 56 UDFA deals, 37 tryouts.
CGS – 210 attendees, 1 draft pick (4 in 2023), 24 UDFA deals, 54 tryouts.
Dream Bowl – 116 attendees, 0 draft picks, 5 UDFA deals, 11 tryouts
Student-Athlete Resources
Individual State Athlete Agent Acts
This third party website attempts to keep a record of the rules regulating athlete-agents in various states.
This is the Court decision approving the settlement involving the NCAA with respect to revenue sharing, NIL, scholarship rules, and more. Several legal challenges continue in the courts and we expect that the situation will continue to evolve. That is just one reason why teaming with a capable representative is important to the modern student-athlete.
Federal Legislation Efforts – The Protect College Sports Act of 2026
The SCORE Act and SAFE Act appear to have stalled, and though they could reemerge, the latest legislation proposal is the Protect College Sports Act of 2026. While not law yet, the bill proposes to: Codify and protect student-athlete’s entitlement to NIL compensation; Create national eligibility and transfer regulations; and Continue the revenue sharing provisions of the NCAA “House” Settlement.
8180 Sports will continue to monitor the government’s efforts at federal legislation and keep clients informed of their rights and nuances in this ever changing landscape.
*8180 does not control, and is not responsible for, the accuracy of any information located on third-party sites. All information included herein is for informational purposes only. Individuals should consult with a lawyer or agent.
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