How Much Do NFL Players Make In Training Camp

Curious how much NFL players make in training camp? You’re not alone. It’s a common myth that the big NFL salaries start rolling in as soon as players show up to camp. In reality, training camp pay works very differently from regular-season pay. Players don’t receive their full salaries during camp; instead, they typically earn a fixed weekly stipend (called a per diem), small preseason game payments, and any bonuses they’ve negotiated that happen to trigger around camp time. This guide breaks it all down in simple terms, with clear examples, so you can understand what players actually make before Week 1.

What Counts as “Training Camp Pay” in the NFL?

Training camp is part of the NFL calendar that runs from late July through preseason games, ending when teams set their 53-man rosters. During this period, most players are on the 90-man offseason roster and are competing for a spot. Their pay structure looks different than in the regular season.

When people talk about what NFL players make in training camp, they usually mean three main buckets:

1) Per diem: a weekly stipend paid during camp. It’s a fixed amount set by the collective bargaining agreement (CBA).
2) Preseason game pay: small payments tied to preseason weeks/games, also set by the CBA.
3) Bonuses that may trigger during camp: such as reporting bonuses, workout bonuses already earned earlier in the summer, or roster bonuses scheduled around this time.

Regular-season base salaries do not kick in until the first week of the regular season. That’s why camp checks are much smaller than what you might expect from NFL headlines.

The Training Camp Per Diem: What It Is and Why It Exists

The training camp per diem is a weekly stipend negotiated between the NFL and the NFL Players Association (NFLPA). It’s meant to cover day-to-day expenses while players are under team control, focusing on football. Think of it as a standardized allowance for the camp period, separate from a player’s full-season contract salary.

Who gets the per diem?

Any player on the offseason roster who reports to camp and participates (or is otherwise present as required by the team) typically receives the per diem. This includes rookies, veterans, and many players who will ultimately be cut before the 53-man roster deadline.

How much is the per diem?

The exact per diem amount changes slightly each year because it’s collectively bargained to rise over time. In recent seasons, it has generally landed in the low-to-mid thousands of dollars per week, and it tends to inch up annually. For example, in the last few training camps, the per diem has hovered around a little over $3,000 per week for most players. If you want the precise figure for the current season, the NFLPA or a reputable cap-tracking site will have the updated number.

Key idea: The per diem isn’t intended to match a full game check or weekly base salary. It’s a set amount to help support players during camp when they’re not yet being paid their regular-season wages.

Do rookies and veterans get different per diems?

The CBA sets tiers and annual increases, but the gap between players at camp is usually not massive in terms of the per diem itself. The big difference between rookies and veterans during camp comes more from existing bonuses or guarantees a veteran might have in his contract, not from the per diem.

Housing, Meals, and Camp Logistics

During training camp, many teams house players in a hotel or dorm-style setup and feed them at the facility. When teams provide room and board, the per diem is simply extra cash the player pockets (minus taxes). If a team does not provide certain meals or housing, the CBA includes provisions to increase or supplement the stipend. The exact setup varies by club, but most franchises keep players on-site for efficiency and team cohesion.

What if the team covers everything?

Even when meals and housing are covered, the per diem still applies. It is not a reimbursement; it’s a negotiated stipend. That said, when housing and meals are provided, the team might not owe additional food/housing stipends beyond the standard per diem amount outlined in the CBA.

Preseason Game Pay: Small, Fixed Payments

Separately from the per diem, players receive small payments tied to the preseason schedule. These preseason payments are also collectively bargained, and they’re much smaller than regular-season game checks.

How much is a preseason payment?

The CBA defines a fixed amount per preseason week or per game—typically a relatively modest figure compared to in-season salary. In recent years, a player might take home a few thousand dollars total across the entire preseason from these game-related payments. The exact value can change annually, so check current-year figures from the NFLPA if you need a precise number.

Do all players get the same preseason pay?

Generally, yes. Preseason game pay is not based on a player’s base salary. It’s a standard amount for players on the roster during those weeks. Whether you’re a star veteran or an undrafted rookie, the preseason check amount is essentially the same by rule.

Regular-Season Salary Doesn’t Start Until Week 1

This is the key piece most people miss: that huge number you hear—a player’s base salary for the season—is paid during the regular season, not during camp. NFL base salaries are divided across the 18-week regular-season pay schedule. So even if a veteran has a $10 million base salary, he won’t see those weekly “game checks” until Week 1 arrives and he’s on the roster.

What happens to players who are cut before Week 1?

They never start earning the base salary from that contract (unless guarantees apply). They’ll keep whatever they earned in camp (per diem, preseason pay, and any bonuses that already triggered), but they don’t receive the regular-season checks unless they make a roster at some point during the season and sign a new deal.

Bonuses That Can Affect Camp Earnings

Not all money during camp is per diem or preseason pay. Some contracts include specific bonuses tied to reporting to camp or being on the roster on certain dates.

Reporting bonuses

Some veterans negotiate a “reporting bonus” that pays out when they show up to camp on time. This is more common for established players who have leverage. It’s a one-time payment and can be sizable, depending on the deal.

Workout bonuses

Workout bonuses are often earned in the spring and early summer for attending a certain percentage of voluntary offseason workouts. While not technically “camp” money, players might receive these around the same period or have already banked them leading into camp.

Roster bonuses

Contracts sometimes include roster bonuses that trigger on a particular date—such as the start of training camp or the first day of the regular season. If it’s set to hit at camp, a player can pocket a significant sum before any regular-season check arrives.

Signing bonuses

Signing bonuses are paid when a contract is signed and are usually amortized over the life of the deal for salary-cap purposes. If a player signed in the offseason, he may have already received a large chunk of cash before camp. That makes his camp take-home look bigger than a rookie’s, but it’s not camp pay; it’s part of his contract structure.

Rookies vs. Veterans: What’s Different in Camp?

During camp, the per diem and preseason payments don’t create huge gaps between rookies and veterans. The difference in total earnings often comes from bonuses and guarantees that veterans already negotiated.

Rookies

Most drafted rookies have a set rookie contract with a signing bonus paid after they sign. Many undrafted rookies receive small signing bonuses, often just a few thousand dollars. During camp, rookies collect the same per diem as their peers, plus preseason payments. If they’re cut before Week 1, they keep their signing bonus and what they made in camp.

Veterans

Veterans might have larger signing bonuses (from current or prior deals), roster bonuses timed to camp, or workout/conditioning bonuses from spring. They’ll still get the same camp per diem and preseason checks, but their total cash flow around camp can look much bigger because of these negotiated extras.

Players on PUP, NFI, and Other Camp Lists

Some players report to camp but are placed on lists like PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) or NFI (Non-Football Injury). Payment rules can differ depending on the list and the player’s contract status.

Physically Unable to Perform (PUP)

A player on active/PUP during camp is still on the 90-man roster and can earn the per diem. If he remains on PUP into the regular season, then separate rules apply. During camp, however, he’s generally treated as part of the roster for per diem purposes.

Non-Football Injury (NFI)

NFI can be trickier. Pay during camp under NFI status can depend on team decisions and contract specifics, because the injury wasn’t suffered while doing team activities. Teams have some discretion here, and the CBA outlines minimum standards. Many clubs still handle per diem and support consistently, but it’s less automatic than standard roster status.

Injuries During Camp: Split Salaries and Injury Protection

Injuries happen in camp, and the CBA addresses what happens to a player’s money if he gets hurt before Week 1.

Split salary clauses

Some contracts have “split salary” language, which lowers a player’s salary if he’s injured and on certain reserve lists. The split applies to regular-season pay, so it might not kick in until the season starts, but a camp injury can trigger it.

Injury protection and termination pay

The CBA includes limited forms of injury protection if a player is injured while performing football services. There are also specific rules for termination pay if a veteran is cut during the season. These don’t usually result in big camp checks, but they can influence how much a player makes later if his injury keeps him from playing when salaries begin.

Taxes, Deductions, and Take-Home Pay

Gross pay and take-home pay are not the same. Even modest camp earnings go through normal deductions.

– Federal and state taxes apply. Because teams travel, players can owe state income tax in multiple states (“jock tax”).
– Union dues: NFLPA dues are a standard cost of being in the league.
– Agent fees: Bonuses and salaries may be subject to agent fees, depending on the contract with the player’s representation.
– Fines: If a player misses mandatory activities, the team can levy fines that reduce take-home pay. Camp fines can be steep for veterans under contract.

Putting Numbers Together: Simple Scenarios

Because exact per diem and preseason pay amounts can change slightly year to year, think of the following as easy-to-follow illustrations, not precise quotes. Recent camp per diem rates have generally been a bit over $3,000 per week, and preseason game-related payments across August tend to add only a few thousand dollars more in total.

Scenario A: Undrafted rookie in camp for five weeks

– Per diem: If the camp per diem is a little over $3,000/week, five weeks could come out to roughly $15,000–$16,000 before tax.
– Preseason game pay: Across three preseason games, total preseason-related pay might be in the low-to-mid thousands (for example, $3,000–$6,000 across the whole preseason, depending on the current CBA rates).
– Signing bonus: Many UDFAs get small bonuses; suppose $7,500 upon signing.
– Total before taxes: A rough estimate might land around $25,000–$30,000 for the entire camp period. Actual take-home will be lower after taxes and any fees.

Scenario B: Second-year player with no big bonuses, five weeks in camp

– Per diem: Again, roughly $15,000–$16,000 before taxes (using the same weekly estimate).
– Preseason game pay: Similar to the rookie, a few thousand total across August.
– Extras: Likely minimal if there are no roster/bonus triggers.
– Total before taxes: Perhaps $18,000–$22,000 for camp. The big pay only starts if he makes the Week 1 roster and starts collecting base salary.

Scenario C: Veteran with a camp roster bonus

– Per diem: Same general range as other players during camp.
– Preseason game pay: Same small payments as everyone else.
– Roster bonus at camp: Could be substantial, such as $100,000 or more, depending on the contract.
– Total before taxes: Could easily be $120,000+ around camp time if a roster bonus triggers. That sounds huge—but it’s because of a negotiated bonus, not because camp pay itself is high.

How Long Is Training Camp Pay Earned?

Players only collect the camp per diem while they’re in camp and with the team. If a player is released during camp, his per diem stops the day he’s no longer with the club. Preseason pay is tied to the weeks/games he’s on the roster during the preseason period. Once the regular season starts, camp pay ends, and regular-season salary (weekly game checks) begins for players on active rosters or certain reserve lists.

Practice Squad: After Camp, Different Rules

Practice squads aren’t set until after final cuts. Practice squad players don’t get training camp per diem anymore; they’re paid a weekly salary set by the CBA for practice squad players. Those weekly rates also increase annually. If a player doesn’t make the 53 but lands on the practice squad after final cuts, it can still be a stable paycheck through the season, separate from camp pay.

Common Misconceptions About Camp Pay

“Players get their full yearly salary during camp.”

False. Base salaries are paid in regular-season weekly installments. Camp is stipends and small game-related payments, plus any bonuses that happen to trigger around that time.

“Veterans make way more than rookies in camp.”

Not from per diem or preseason pay. The gap mostly shows up if a veteran negotiated bonuses that pay during camp, or if he previously collected a large signing bonus. The standardized camp payments are relatively flat across the roster.

“Preseason games pay like regular-season games.”

No. Preseason payments are much smaller. Players still compete hard—jobs are on the line—but the checks don’t compare to regular-season game checks.

Where the Money Really Is: Regular Season and Beyond

If you’re trying to understand an NFL player’s earnings, remember that most of it comes from:

– Base salary paid across regular-season weeks.
– Signing bonuses (paid when the contract is signed).
– Roster/reporting/option bonuses as negotiated.
– Incentives and escalators earned by meeting performance or playing-time thresholds.
– Postseason pay (fixed amounts per round, separate from base salary).

Training camp money, by comparison, is modest. It’s important for players to budget carefully, especially those on the roster bubble who might not see regular-season pay if they don’t make the team.

How the CBA Shapes Camp Pay

The NFL’s collective bargaining agreement defines per diem rates, preseason payments, and many of the rules around housing, meals, fines, and more. Every few years, a new CBA adjusts these numbers. That’s why you’ll see annual increases in per diem and preseason pay. If you need the exact current-year figures, check the NFLPA’s public materials, reputable legal summaries, or contract/cap-tracking resources.

Budgeting and Money Tips for Players in Camp

Even for players who ultimately earn big checks, camp is a good time to be smart with money. Here are practical habits used around the league:

Plan for taxes and fees

Set aside money for federal and state taxes, union dues, and potential agent fees. Don’t spend the per diem as if it’s untaxed cash.

Save your preseason checks

Preseason payments are small but steady during August. Many players stash them for living expenses in case they’re cut and waiting on a new opportunity.

Know your bonuses

If you have a roster or reporting bonus that triggers at camp, plan ahead for the tax hit. Consider working with a financial advisor on timing and withholdings.

Stay informed about your contract

Ask your agent to explain split salaries, injury protections, and what happens if you’re placed on PUP/NFI. Understanding these details helps avoid surprises.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do players get paid during OTAs and minicamp?

Yes, but not like the regular season. OTAs and minicamp fall under offseason rules. Players typically receive an offseason workout per diem or related payments, which are separate from the training camp per diem. Those amounts are also set by the CBA and tend to be smaller than the training camp stipend.

What if a player holds out during camp?

Veterans under contract who skip mandatory camp days can be fined significant amounts per day, as defined by the CBA. They would also miss out on per diem for days not present.

If a player is injured in camp and waived/injured, do they still get money?

They may receive an injury settlement or transition to a reserve list, depending on the situation. The financial outcome depends on the contract, the timing, and the medical prognosis. This is where split salaries or injury protections can come into play during the season.

Do players pay for the hotel and meals during camp?

Typically, no. Teams usually provide housing and meals during camp. The per diem isn’t a reimbursement for those costs—it’s an additional stipend.

A Simple Way to Think About It

Here’s the bottom line in plain English:

– Training camp pay = a weekly per diem + small preseason payments + any bonuses that happen to trigger around camp.
– The per diem in recent seasons has been just over $3,000 per week for most players, with slight increases each year under the CBA.
– The preseason checks across August add up to a few thousand more for the entire month.
– Real salary doesn’t start until the regular season. That’s when players get their big weekly game checks tied to their base salary.

Sample Month-By-Month Cash Flow for a Typical Player

This is a rough example to show how money might flow—not exact numbers for every player.

June–July

– Offseason per diem or workout bonuses may be paid earlier in the summer.
– Some players receive reporting or roster bonuses around the start of camp.

Late July–August (Training Camp + Preseason)

– Weekly per diem of a bit over $3,000 (varies by year).
– Small preseason payments each week/game, adding a few thousand total by the end of August.
– Team-provided room and board reduces personal expenses.

September–January (Regular Season)

– Base salary paid in weekly game checks (this is where most of the money is).
– Performance incentives and roster bonuses may hit during the year.
– Postseason pay kicks in if the team makes the playoffs.

Why Camp Still Matters Financially

Even though the checks are modest, training camp plays a huge role in setting up a player’s financial year:

– Earn a roster spot: Making the 53 means the regular-season salary starts. That’s the big prize.
– Showcase for the league: If you get cut but have good camp tape, another team might sign you—turning camp pennies into regular-season pay later.
– Trigger bonuses: Some players bank real money at camp via reporting or roster bonuses. Negotiated properly, these can be life-changing.

Key Takeaways for Fans

– Don’t confuse headline contract numbers with training camp checks. Camp pay is standardized and comparatively small.
– If you hear a player “made a lot” during camp, it’s likely because of a bonus built into his contract, not the camp per diem or preseason checks.
– The most decisive financial moment is making the Week 1 roster. That’s when real salaries start rolling in.

Conclusion

NFL training camp pay is straightforward once you know the categories: a fixed weekly per diem, small preseason payments, and any contract bonuses that happen to hit around that time. In recent years, most players have earned just over $3,000 per week in per diem during camp, with preseason checks adding only a few thousand dollars in total. The big money—the base salary—doesn’t start until the regular season kicks off. Rookies and veterans alike rely on camp to earn a roster spot, trigger bonuses, and set themselves up for the real paydays that come from September through January. If you remember one thing, remember this: training camp is about opportunity. Financially, it’s a bridge to the regular season, not the destination itself.