We often see the path for the talented player to be entry to professional Football. Its not the only way ahead in Football, nor necessarily the most productive across the whole of life.
The opportunites provided to talented Football players to play to a high standard and gain an Undergraduate education (College in the USA) are very real in the USA. The Football programs on offer at some Colleges in the USA are absolutely outstanding. Nor does it close the door on professional football after university studies are completed. We have nothing like these programs in Australia.
Here is an interview with long term Head Coach of the prestigious Yale College Football program. Fascinating!