[fullmetal]

He also knows that almost nobody on campus cares who he is or what he has done. He also knows he is going to have to at least pay lip service to attending some classes. I would argue that no matter how much money Stanford offers, most guys will reject it out of hand. It makes no sense for them.

I don't know about that.  Football players still carry a lot of social capital in certain circles on campus.  And I do think the Stanford brand and access to Stanford education/networks in both athletic and private industry carry a lot of weight.  At least, that's what I'd be saying if I were recruiting players.  Stanford is a great place for aspiring professional athletes.

[fullmetal]

He also knows that almost nobody on campus cares who he is or what he has done. He also knows he is going to have to at least pay lip service to attending some classes. I would argue that no matter how much money Stanford offers, most guys will reject it out of hand. It makes no sense for them.

I don't know about that.  Football players still carry a lot of social capital in certain circles on campus.  And I do think the Stanford brand and access to Stanford education/networks in both athletic and private industry carry a lot of weight.  At least, that's what I'd be saying if I were recruiting players.  Stanford is a great place for aspiring professional athletes.