12 awesome careers for football lovers--no helmets required

Are you ready for some football? Whether you're all about the NFL, only do NCAA, or are rooting for the local high school, this is your time of year.

But if the pigskin is your passion, maybe it should be more than just your pastime.

Monster's jobs database is full of football-related jobs that need to be filled today (there are even some openings in the National Football League)—and you don't need to be a 6-foot, 250-pound linebacker to get them. Check out the jobs below. Isn't it time you sacked your boss and kicked off a new career in one of these? Average pay and hiring forecasts provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Agent

• Median pay: $65,000
• Projected job growth: 8%
• Key to getting hired: bachelor’s degree in journalism, broadcasting, or communications, along with previous work experience

Find sports agent jobs on Monster

Announcer

• Median pay: $28,000
• Projected job growth: Although the Bureau of Labor Statistics is projecting a 9% decrease, many announcer jobs are part-time. You just might be able to snag something on the side to get some experience before making the leap to full time.
• Key to getting hired: bachelor’s degree in journalism, broadcasting, or communications, along with previous work experience

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Athletic trainer

• Median pay: $39,000
• Projected job growth: 23%
• Key to getting hired: a bachelor's degree in athletic training plus certifications, which can vary from state to state

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Event security

• Median pay: $25,800
• Projected job growth: 6%
• Key to getting hired: previous work experience in security or a background in law enforcement

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Football coach

• Median pay: $39,000
• Projected job growth: 13%
• Key to getting hired: Although a bachelor's degree is usually required, previous playing or coaching experience is very beneficial.

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Nutritionist

• Median pay: $59,000
• Projected job growth: 15%
• Key to getting hired: A bachelor's degree is required along with specialized training and internships. States also require specific certifications.

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Referee

• Median pay: $26,800
• Projected job growth: 8%
• Key to getting hired: register with state or local agency and pass an exam on rules of the sport

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Sports event planner

• Median pay: $48,200
• Projected job growth: 11%
• Key to getting hired: Bachelor's degree and some experience in the hospitality business is a big plus

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Sports marketing managers

• Median pay: $132,000
• Projected job growth: 10%
• Key to getting hired: Bachelor's degree in marketing; plus excellent computer, communications and organization skills

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Sports writers

• Median pay: $41,000
• Projected job growth: -9%
• Key to getting hired: Bachelor’s degree in journalism or communications along with previous work experience

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Stadium attendant

• Median pay: $8 per hour
• Key to getting hired: Diligent work ethic, clean driving record

Find stadium attendant jobs on Monster

Get in the game

You gotta be in it to win it! And the easiest way to get your foot in the door for any new job is to join Monster for free today. Once you become a member you can post up to five versions of your resume tailored to the jobs you're looking for. Recruiters are scouting Monster for top talent every day. Get off the bench and into the game. And as a perk for being a member you'll get weekly updates with career advice and job lists. That sounds like a winning move.