Jobs In Sports

Athletically-challenged people (who make up the bulk of the U.S. population by the way) can still find well-paying jobs in sports at both the collegiate and professional level. It's true that the highest paid jobs in sports are on the playing field, but it takes a lot of people who work behind the scenes to make sporting events possible. Some careers in sports come with enviable perks such as free tickets, travel with the team, and opportunities for advancement into higher-paying positions.

1. Television game color commentator - The lead commentators during televised sporting events have to do a lot of homework. They have to keep up with stat sheets, rosters, and injury reports. But the color commentator, also known as the guy that just gives his opinion instead of reporting the game, has a pretty good gig. Typically, these spots go to former professional players, though, so unless you've played a sport at a high level before, this is one of the jobs in sports you might not be able to get.
2. Third-string professional player - Want the good pay of a pro athlete without the responsibility of playing well? All you have to do is be good enough to make the team, but not good enough to start the game. Backup and third-string professional athletes get paid well over six figures just to workout with the team, make public appearances, and sit on the bench during the games. This is easily one of the best jobs in sports for athletes who prefer to stay out of the limelight.
3. Assistant coach - In a way similar to third-string players, assistant coaches have some of the best jobs in sports. They're moderately responsible but not the main people blamed for team struggles. When was the last time you heard of an assistant coach being fired? (Except for that Jets sideline coach who broke the cardinal rule of assistant coaching: Don't be noticed.) Assistant coaches make a very good living and also enjoy the perks of team travel and scheduling, but these positions also tend to go to former players.
4. Team media relations assistant - Media relations is one of the less stressful areas of professional and collegiate sports. These positions generally deal with promotion for the team through press releases, social media, and community involvement. Unlike the previous jobs in sports mentioned, media relations is a job sector that entry-level college graduates can get into without any athletic experience.
5. Athletic department fundraiser - Collegiate sporting departments live and die by fundraising. Since schools are dependent on contributions from various donors and alumni, working to raise funds for athletic departments is one of the most important jobs in sports. Ambitious college graduates, take note: fundraising is a highly visible job sector that can lead to rapid promotion with the college's athletic department further down the line.