Crime in College Predicts Violent Crime in the National Football League

• In Event: Trajectories of Offending and Conformity in the Transition to Adulthood

Abstract

The relationship between past and future crime is one of the most robust within criminology. Yet, few attempts have examined whether this linkage holds in specific employment arenas. In this study, we consider this relationship within the context of the National Football League (NFL). Specifically, we assess whether there is a relationship between pre-NFL arrests and arrests while playing in the NFL. Using data on NFL arrestees coupled with an internet-based search of arrests prior to their joining the NFL, we found that pre-NFL arrests are a positive and significant predictor of violent (but not total or non-violent) arrests. Also, this pattern of findings was observed for non-white NFL players, but not white players. Limitations, future research directions, and policy implications are highlighted.

Authors

• Wanda E. Leal, Texas A&M University - San Antonio

• Alex Piquero, University of Texas at Dallas

• Nicole L. Piquero, University of Texas at Dallas

• Marc Gertz, Florida State University