Many internet personalities attempt to pursue careers they are passionate about outside of content creation. Internet sensation IShowSpeed, for example, is a passionate soccer fan who often talks about playing at the professional level.
Jake Paul is another internet celebrity known for his career as a YouTuber and entrepreneur. He already made a shift into professional boxing and is widely known for his in-ring controversies. But now, alongside boxing, he has revealed his interest in playing in the NFL and shared exactly how he plans to make it happen.
Jake Paul Wants To Walk On At Stanford And Attempt To Get Drafted
Paul is an American internet personality who built his following on YouTube, known for stunts, pranks, hip-hop music, and high-energy vlogs. He launched his channel in 2014 and became one of the platform’s most recognizable names. He is also the younger brother of fellow YouTube personality Logan Paul.
Jan 19, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Jake Paul on the sidelines during the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Paul turned professional boxer in 2020 after amateur bouts, including a win over Deji Olatunji. He quickly became a crossover star, fighting former MMA champions, celebrities, and eventually legitimate boxers.
Now he’s set his sights on the NFL. “I do have NFL aspirations,” Paul said during a latest podcast appearance. “I want to play slot receiver. And so I think, to get that experience, college first would be good so I could walk onto the Stanford team.”
He also floated going straight to an NFL team before landing on the college route. “The idea of it happened today because I was originally thinking I’ll just go straight to the Cleveland Browns or Dallas Cowboys, but they’re probably going to want to see me play first.”
The tone was lighthearted and likely at least partly joking. Fans have had a field day with the idea, poking at his age and his confidence. But setting the jokes aside, if he were serious, the real question is whether the path he’s describing is even remotely possible.
Why Getting Jake Paul into The NFL Would Be Nearly Impossible
Before thinking about the NFL, his first obstacle would be getting into Stanford. The NCAA has no hard age limit, but eligibility is governed by a five-year clock that typically starts after high school. Since Paul hasn’t used any college eligibility, he may technically still have years left, though proposals in 2026 are pushing for stricter age-based rules.
Even without an age barrier, playing competitive Power conference football at nearly 30 is exceptionally rare. Most players peak physically in their early 20s. Stanford does accept walk-ons, but roster spots are highly competitive. You’d typically need to contact coaches, prove your athleticism in workouts, and survive cuts against elite athletes who also meet the university’s rigorous academic standards.
On the NFL side, even though Paul is already eligible by age, teams almost always want college game film to evaluate prospects. A 29 or 30-year-old walk-on with a boxing background but no recent football experience would face enormous skepticism around speed, football IQ, durability, and scheme learning. Teams prioritize younger, proven talent with on-field production.
It was all casual, lighthearted conversation. But if Paul did seriously attempt this path, it’s safe to say the odds would be stacked heavily against him.
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