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So you want a shot at the NFL and you keep hearing about “open tryouts.” You’re not alone. Every year, thousands of athletes search for an open door to the league. The truth is both simpler and more complicated than most posts online suggest: the NFL rarely hosts true open tryouts. But there are real, practical paths that can put you in front of NFL scouts and decision-makers—if you understand how the system actually works, prepare the right way, and avoid common mistakes. This guide explains the reality behind “open tryouts,” the legitimate pathways you can use, what numbers you need to hit, how to train, and how to give yourself a real chance without wasting time or money.
What “Open Tryout for the NFL” Really Means
Do NFL teams host public open tryouts?
Not in the way most people think. NFL teams do not hold general public tryouts where anyone can walk in, pay a fee, and make the roster. The league’s talent pipeline runs through college football, invited workouts, and scouting networks. If you see a social post claiming “Dallas Cowboys open tryout this Saturday—$250,” that is almost certainly not official.
That does not mean you have no path. It means the path is structured, invite-based, and performance-driven. If you want a real shot, you need to use those actual doors.
What actually exists instead of open tryouts
Local Pro Days: Every spring, most NFL teams hold a Local Pro Day for draft-eligible players who attended a college in the team’s region or grew up locally. These are by invitation. If you qualify geographically and can show legitimate ability (film + verified numbers), you can ask for an invite.
Rookie Minicamp Tryouts: After the draft, teams hold rookie minicamps. Along with drafted and signed players, teams invite a group of “tryout” players for the weekend. Some of these tryout players earn undrafted free agent contracts—this is one of the closest things to a real NFL tryout you can get.
Private Free-Agent Workouts: Teams frequently work out free agents during the season and offseason, but these are targeted invites. Having a credible agent, verified testing numbers, and real game film helps you land these.
League-run opportunities beyond the NFL Combine
The main NFL Scouting Combine is invite-only and extremely selective. However, the NFL periodically runs additional events, such as the HBCU Combine and the International Combine for the International Player Pathway Program (IPPP). These are not general open tryouts, but they create pathways for specific groups of players who meet eligibility criteria and show high-level potential.
Other leagues that do offer tryouts
If you are outside the NFL pipeline, your best move is often to build a resume in other professional leagues that do hold open or semi-open tryouts. These include the UFL (spring football), CFL (Canadian Football League), Indoor Football League (IFL), and European League of Football (ELF). Strong performance in these leagues can lead to NFL workouts. Many NFL players took this route before getting their shot.
Eligibility, Rules, and Reality Checks
Age and background
There is no strict maximum age, but NFL teams prioritize players in their early to mid-20s because of development curves and long-term value. Late 20s or older is an uphill battle, though not impossible—especially for specialists like kickers and long snappers. Regardless of age, you need elite ability and verifiable performance.
If you still have NCAA eligibility
Do not attend any professional tryout or sign with an agent without understanding NCAA amateurism rules. Contact your school’s compliance office. If you want to test the waters, there are rules that allow for certain evaluations without losing eligibility, but they are strict and nuanced.
If you are done with college or never played college ball
You can still pursue pro opportunities. You will need a different strategy: verified athletic testing, credible film (semi-pro, international, indoor, or adult leagues), and exposure through legitimate combines or showcases. The path is steeper, but it exists.
Health, medical, and background checks
Teams conduct physicals, review medical history, and run background checks. Be honest and thorough about injuries. Prepare records from surgeries, rehab, and imaging if applicable. Off-field conduct matters: teams evaluate maturity, reliability, and judgment as closely as physical traits.
International players
International athletes may be eligible for the International Player Pathway Program. You will still need elite measurables and a compelling sports background. Visa and work authorization are separate issues that need to be solved early with professional guidance.
The Real Paths That Can Get You Seen
Path 1: College football and Pro Day
This is the most reliable route. If you are on a college roster (FBS, FCS, Division II or III, NAIA), your school’s Pro Day puts you in front of NFL and other pro scouts. To maximize outcomes, build your film, master special teams roles, and train specifically for combine tests. If your school does not host a Pro Day, ask to attend a nearby school’s Pro Day or the HBCU Combine (if applicable).
Path 2: Local Pro Day invitations
If you are draft-eligible and local to an NFL team’s region, contact the team’s scouting department or football operations via email with your film, verified measurables, and coach references to request an invite. These are competitive; realistic numbers and game film are the difference.
Path 3: Rookie minicamp tryouts
These invites usually come through agents and college coaches. Standout small-school players, elite testers, and special teams aces get looks. If you do not have an agent, you can still send your package (film + verified numbers + references) to teams, but an agent’s relationships help tremendously.
Path 4: Independent combines and showcases
There are reputable independent combines that host scouts from the NFL, CFL, UFL, and IFL. Others are purely money grabs. Research before paying. Look for past events where players actually signed contracts. Confirm attending scouts. Ask for the testing protocol and who handles timing. Be wary of promises like “guaranteed NFL contracts.” No legitimate event can guarantee that.
Path 5: Alternate pro leagues to build a resume
UFL: Spring league with NFL-adjacent talent. They may hold tryouts or mini-camps; many signings happen via film and agent connections.
CFL: Professional outdoor league with strong coaching and scouting. CFL team tryouts are often held in various cities. Performance here can earn NFL workouts.
IFL and other indoor leagues: Faster game, different dimensions, but great for skill players and specialists to accumulate film and show athletic traits.
ELF: Growing European league with competitive play and improving scouting presence.
Path 6: International Player Pathway Program
If you are a non-U.S./Canada athlete with elite potential, look into the IPPP. It provides training, exposure, and potential practice squad opportunities. This path is selective—your measurables must be exceptional.
How an “Open Tryout” Style Combine Usually Works
Registration and fees
Independent combines charge fees. Expect anywhere from $75 to $300+ depending on the event. You will fill out waivers, provide IDs, and submit athletic background. Read the refund policy. Check if the event shares results with pro teams and whether scouts are confirmed to attend.
What to bring
Two forms of ID, cleats (both molded and metal if allowed), indoor shoes if on turf, compression gear, taped fingers/wrists if needed, water and snacks, and copies of your athletic resume with links to film. Bring a written PR sheet with your best verified times, testing metrics, and coach contacts.
Check-in, warm-up, and event flow
After check-in, you’ll have a group warm-up with mobility, skips, and acceleration drills. The testing order typically goes: height/weight/hand/arm, vertical jump, broad jump, bench press (225 reps), 40-yard dash, 5-10-5 shuttle, 3-cone, and then position drills. Special teams work—especially for DBs, WRs, RBs, and linebackers—often follows.
Position drills
Quarterbacks: Footwork, quick game, intermediate and deep routes, play-action, movement throws, on-the-move accuracy.
Wide receivers and tight ends: Releases, route tree, tracking, body control, contested catch, blocking fit.
Running backs: Aiming points, zone/gap reads (on bags), pass protection sets, checkdown routes, ball security.
Offensive line: Set lines, independent hands, mirror, punch timing, reach and scoop footwork, inside stun game.
Defensive line: Get-off, hand fighting, change of direction, counter moves, flatten to QB, run fits.
Linebackers: Read steps, shuffle and scrape, take-on technique, drops to landmarks, man coverage technique.
Defensive backs: Backpedal, T-step, speed turn, press technique, high-point, tackling mechanics (on bags).
Specialists: Snapping accuracy, operation times, punt hangs and distances, field goal accuracy from hashes, kickoff depth and hang. Specialists are often evaluated separately.
How evaluations work
Coaches and scouts look at your total profile: body type, movement quality, explosiveness, technique, coachability, and special teams value. They may not talk to you much during the event. Do not panic. If you stand out, they will find you afterward or contact you later. Always ask about how and when results will be sent out.
The Numbers: Testing Benchmarks That Move the Needle
Core tests explained
40-yard dash: Measures top-end speed and acceleration. The start (first 10 yards) is crucial. Hand vs. laser timing can differ by 0.05–0.10 seconds.
10-yard split: Your first 10 yards are a key indicator of explosiveness regardless of position.
Short shuttle (5-10-5): Lateral quickness, change of direction, and body control.
3-cone drill: High-value test for agility, deceleration, and re-acceleration.
Vertical jump: Lower-body power. Good predictor of explosiveness.
Broad jump: Horizontal power and hip extension.
Bench press (225 lb reps): Upper-body strength and muscular endurance; more important for linemen and front-seven.
Position-by-position target ranges
Quarterbacks: 40 time is less critical; strong arm velocity (mid–high 50s mph on radar), quick feet, clean mechanics. Shuttle and 3-cone under 4.3 and 7.2 are solid.
Wide receivers: 40-yard dash 4.35–4.55 for deep threats, up to 4.60–4.65 for big-bodied possession types; shuttle around 4.05–4.25; 3-cone 6.65–6.95; vertical 36–40+ inches; broad 10’2”–11’.
Running backs: 40-yard dash 4.40–4.55; shuttle 4.05–4.20; 3-cone 6.70–7.00; vertical 35–38; broad 10’0”–10’8”.
Tight ends: 40-yard dash 4.55–4.75; shuttle 4.20–4.35; 3-cone 6.85–7.10; vertical 33–36; broad 9’10”–10’4”.
Offensive line: 40-yard dash 5.00–5.25; shuttle 4.60–4.75; 3-cone 7.40–7.80; bench 22–30 reps; vertical 27–31; broad 8’0”–8’8”.
Defensive line (edge): 40-yard dash 4.55–4.75; shuttle 4.25–4.45; 3-cone 6.85–7.15; bench 20–28; vertical 32–36; broad 9’8”–10’4”.
Defensive line (interior): 40-yard dash 4.90–5.15; shuttle 4.50–4.70; 3-cone 7.45–7.80; bench 22–35; vertical 28–32; broad 8’6”–9’4”.
Linebackers: 40-yard dash 4.50–4.70; shuttle 4.15–4.30; 3-cone 6.90–7.20; bench 18–26; vertical 33–37; broad 9’8”–10’4”.
Defensive backs: 40-yard dash 4.35–4.55; shuttle 3.95–4.20; 3-cone 6.60–6.95; bench 8–18; vertical 36–40+; broad 10’2”–11’.
Kickers/Punters/Long snappers: Less about these tests, more about operation times, accuracy, hang time, distance, spiral consistency, and placement. Long snappers need zip and precision with consistent sub-0.75 second laces-to-hip times in live ops.
What separates “NFL-interest” from “nice numbers”
Teams look for multiple green flags at once: elite speed or size-speed combo, crisp movement in position drills, and clear football skill on film. One great test won’t erase poor agility or sloppy technique. On the flip side, a slightly slower 40 can be overcome by sharp route running, ball skills, or great special teams value.
Verified versus unverified numbers
Hand-timed 40s on your home field are not convincing. Try to obtain laser-timed results or testing at reputable combines where scouts can verify numbers. If you post times online, include where and how they were recorded. Credibility is currency.
Technique tips that immediately help
40-yard dash: Consistent stance, low shin angles in first steps, drive phase for 20 yards, don’t pop up early, relax the face and hands as you open up.
Shuttle: Stay low on the plant steps, control the center of mass, snap the head and hips together, and avoid extra steps around the cones.
3-cone: Learn exact footwork for turns, commit to the line, and keep the hips loaded so you don’t “stand up” between cones.
Vertical: Full arm swing with synchronized dip; land stiff and tall to maximize reach measurement.
Broad jump: Aggressive hip extension and full arm swing; stick the landing without rocking back.
A 12-Week Prep Plan (High-Level)
Weeks 12–9: Foundation and assessment
Get a physical and movement screen. Address mobility limits (ankle dorsiflexion, hip rotation, thoracic spine). Build general strength with emphasis on posterior chain (deadlifts, RDLs, hip thrusts), single-leg stability, and trunk stiffness. Technique sessions for 40 start mechanics, shuttle footwork, and jump patterns. Two field sessions and three lifts per week.
Weeks 8–5: Speed and power build
Shift toward heavier speed work: short sprints (10–30 yards), resisted sprints, and contrast training (heavy lift paired with explosive movement). Add plyometrics with careful volume control. Position drills 2–3 times a week focusing on footwork and hand use. One day per week of special teams drills if applicable.
Weeks 4–2: Specificity and test rehearsal
Run full testing sequences weekly to practice order and recovery. Fine-tune start stance, cone approach, and break angles. Position work simulates route trees, pass rush sequences, or protection sets you’ll perform at the event. Reduce heavy lifting volume while keeping intensity.
Week 1: Taper and sharpen
Reduce total training volume by 40–60%. Focus on sleep, hydration, and crisp technique. Do short, fast sprints and light jumps to stay sharp. No ego lifting. Visualize each test and position drill. Double-check your gear and travel plan.
Recovery and injury prevention
Soft-tissue work, isometric holds around the hips and groin, and adductor strengthening decrease soft-tissue risk. Warm-up should include ankle and hip mobility, activation, and short buildups. Post-session recovery: protein and carbs within 60 minutes, light mobility, and sleep 8+ hours.
Nutrition and body composition
Eat for performance: 1.6–2.2 g/kg body weight of protein daily, sufficient carbs around training, and healthy fats. Gradually cut or add weight to reach an optimal frame for your position. Hydration matters: aim for clear to light-yellow urine, and consider electrolytes for long events.
Mental preparation and interview skills
Teams watch body language. Practice concise self-introductions, explain your role versatility, and be ready to discuss football IQ (concepts, coverage IDs, protection rules). Use visualization: rehearse your tests and how you will handle unexpected delays or mistakes.
How to Stand Out Beyond the Stopwatch
Special teams is your ticket
Make yourself invaluable on special teams. Learn to cover kicks, block on returns, and execute assignments at full speed. DBs, WRs, RBs, TEs, and LBs who dominate teams often get signed over similar athletes who cannot help on teams.
Niche roles with high demand
Long snapper, gunner, personal protector, blocking tight end, big slot, third-down back, nickel corner, core four special-teamer—find a role where you can be elite fast. Specialists with consistency and clean operation times get calls late into summers and seasons.
Football IQ and coachability
Know the playbook language, base fronts, coverages, and adjustments. Answer questions clearly and don’t debate coaching in the moment. Show you process quickly and can fix technique on the fly. Teams sign trustworthy pros, not just athletes.
Character and consistency
Be early, be prepared, treat staff respectfully, and support other players. Background checks and references matter. Your online presence should reflect maturity. Teams avoid risks that can disrupt locker rooms.
Networking and contacting teams
Build relationships with your college coaches and strength staff. They can vouch for you. If contacting teams yourself, include a short email with a link to your best game cutups (3–5 minutes), a one-page athletic resume with verified testing, and two to three coach references. Keep it professional and concise.
A simple example outreach message
Subject: Local Pro Day/Minicamp Consideration – [Name], [Position], [School/League]
Coach/Scout [Last Name], I’m a [height/weight] [position] from [school/league]. Links below include my 3-minute highlight and full game cutups. Verified testing: [40/10, shuttle, 3-cone, vertical, broad, bench]. I’m local to [city/team] and eligible for [Local Pro Day/Rookie Minicamp]. My college coach and strength coach contacts are included. I appreciate your consideration and would value any feedback. Thank you for your time. [Name, phone, email, links]
Following up after a tryout
Send a brief thank-you within 24–48 hours. Ask about results distribution and potential next steps. Update teams with improved verified testing or new film. Persistence matters, but keep communication respectful and spaced out.
Budgeting and Logistics
Understanding the costs
Training facility or coach fees, combine entry fees, travel and lodging, therapy and recovery, and nutrition all add up. A focused 12-week prep could run from a few hundred dollars (DIY) to several thousand at elite facilities. Set a budget and don’t drain savings on low-credibility events.
Travel planning
Arrive at least one day early. Scout the field surface and weather. Pack backups of critical gear. Eat familiar food and hydrate well. Plan ground transport so you are not rushed on event day.
Equipment checklist
Cleats appropriate for the surface, a second pair just in case, compression layers, tape, mouthguard if doing contact drills, a stopwatch for warm-ups, snacks with carbs and sodium, and printed resumes with QR codes to your film and testing results.
Insurance and waivers
Read waivers carefully. Some events require you to assume all injury risk. If possible, carry personal health insurance and consider supplemental short-term coverage during high-risk periods.
Avoiding Scams and Common Mistakes
Red flags to watch for
Events that guarantee NFL contracts, ask for large deposits with no refund policy, refuse to name attending scouts, post stolen photos of past combines, or pressure you to pay immediately. Always verify via official team or league channels, or through coaches and agents you trust.
Common mistakes on tryout day
Arriving late, skipping a proper warm-up, changing technique right before testing, wearing the wrong cleats for the surface, poor hydration, arguing with coaches, and over-hyping the 40 while neglecting shuttle or position drills. Keep your focus broad and balanced.
Big-picture mistakes during the journey
Chasing every event instead of training purposefully, ignoring film quality, avoiding special teams, neglecting sleep and nutrition, and posting unverified numbers online. The fix: train, test, verify, film, and communicate professionally.
Timeline: From One Year Out to the Day After
12 months out
Get healthy. Address injuries. Build a consistent strength and speed base. Start gathering and organizing your best film. Learn special teams roles.
6 months out
Identify two or three legitimate showcases or combines. Reach out to potential agents. Set testing goals based on position benchmarks.
90 days out
Begin your focused 12-week training block. Lock in nutrition and sleep routines. Record baseline times to track progress.
30 days out
Simulate test days weekly. Finalize travel and logistics. Update your resume with latest verified numbers and link to cutups.
Week of the event
Taper. Rehearse technique. Pack everything early. Confirm arrival time and location. Visualize success and plan for contingencies like weather delays.
Event day
Arrive early, stay calm, control the controllables. Execute your warm-up and hit your cues. Compete in position drills with energy and focus.
Afterward
Send thank-yous, request feedback, and keep training. If you performed well, be ready to travel quickly for additional workouts. If not, adjust your plan and re-test with better preparation.
If You Are Not in the College System
Building credible film
Join a reputable semi-pro, indoor, or international team. Prioritize teams with coaches who can vouch for you and with film quality suitable for scouts. You need real game tape, not just training highlights.
Finding training partners and coaches
Work with a coach who understands combine tests and position technique. Small improvements in start mechanics or shuttle footwork can change your outcome. Seek feedback from former college players or trainers with proven results.
Using social media wisely
Post verified results and short clips of position drills. Link to full game cutups. Keep captions professional. Avoid arguments or anything that suggests poor judgment.
Agents: When and How to Work With One
Do you need an agent?
If you are getting legitimate interest or are near NFL benchmarks, an agent can open doors to rookie minicamps, workouts, and CFL/UFL opportunities. If you are far from those marks, invest first in development and exposure.
How to choose
Ask which players they have placed in camps or leagues in the last two years, and how they plan to market you specifically. Beware of large upfront fees. Reputable agents earn when you earn.
If you do not have an agent
You can still succeed by sending professional outreach, attending verified events, and producing strong film. Keep records organized and be persistent.
Reality Check: Odds and Opportunity
The odds are long—but not impossible
The NFL talent pool is massive. Many players with strong college resumes never make it. Accept this and focus on building a portfolio of performance: measurables, film, special teams, and professionalism. Enough “green flags” can create a chance.
Success looks different for everyone
Your path may include stints in the UFL, CFL, IFL, or ELF before an NFL look. This is normal. Some players bounce between practice squads and spring leagues before earning a roster spot. Keep improving and stay ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I walk in and try out for an NFL team?
No. There are no general public walk-in tryouts for NFL teams. You need an invite to a Local Pro Day, rookie minicamp, private workout, or league-run event.
How do I get invited to a Local Pro Day?
Be draft-eligible and local to that team by college or residence. Send film, verified testing, and coach references to the team’s scouting department well ahead of the event.
What is the fastest way to get noticed without college ball?
Post verified testing numbers from a reputable combine, build real game film in a credible league, master a special teams role, and communicate professionally with teams and leagues.
What 40 time do I need?
It depends on your position and size. For most skill positions, under 4.50 moves the needle; under 4.40 is elite. But don’t chase speed alone—agility, position drills, and film matter.
Are independent combines worth the money?
Some are, many are not. Research attending scouts, track record of signings, and testing standards. If you cannot find proof of outcomes, skip it.
Can special teams really get me signed?
Yes. Core special-teamers and niche specialists get opportunities regularly. Be excellent in one or two roles teams need immediately.
What if I am 27 or older?
You can still try, but focus on positions and roles where maturity and specific skill shine, like long snapper, kicker, or situational roles. You must present elite measurables or unique value.
Putting It All Together: A Practical Action Plan
Step 1: Evaluate honestly
Compare your current verified numbers to the position benchmarks in this guide. Identify gaps. Watch film of your position at the NFL level to see standard movement quality and technique.
Step 2: Choose your path
If you have college eligibility, stay the course toward your Pro Day. If not, target a reputable combine, a developmental league to get film, and a plan for special teams mastery.
Step 3: Train with intent
Follow a 12-week block aimed at your weakest tests while keeping position skills sharp. Hire a coach if possible. Track progress weekly and adjust.
Step 4: Build your package
One-page resume with measurables, links to highlights and full games, references, and verified testing results. Keep everything organized and professional.
Step 5: Get verified
Attend at least one event with credible timing and measurements. Save the official results, and if permitted, collect video of your tests.
Step 6: Communicate smartly
Send concise outreach to teams, leagues, and agents. If you get no response, follow up once after 10–14 days. Keep it brief and polite.
Step 7: Compete and follow up
At events, control what you can control. Afterward, send thank-yous and updates. Keep training so that if you get a last-minute call, you are truly ready.
Conclusion: The Open Tryout Myth—and Your Real Opportunity
The phrase “open tryout for the NFL” is misleading. The league does not run pay-to-play public tryouts. But there are clear, legitimate paths into the NFL’s line of sight: Local Pro Days, rookie minicamp tryouts, private workouts, league-run combines for specific groups, and performance in other professional leagues. To walk those paths, you need more than dreams—you need verified numbers, real film, clean technique, special teams value, professional communication, and patience.
You may not control the invite list, but you control your preparation and presentation. Train with intent. Choose events wisely. Build credible film. Be the athlete coaches can trust on special teams and in the locker room. If you stack those wins, your “open tryout” becomes something better: a real chance to show you belong.