Essentially anything that's commission-based with a low/non-existent base salary is a good candidate for these types of guys. Anything from telemarketing to auto sales to insurance works well for them since they aren't required to be anywhere from 9-5. Also, there's very little education required for the most part, and anybody can learn the tricks of the trade in no time at all.
Typically the very bottom guys have finished their college careers and have graduated. They were seniors and relative unknowns throughout their college career and wanted to give the NFL a shot. Usually they recognize that it's a one time thing and have a backup plan. The guys that seem to have a chance at making a roster at some point fight for a practice squad spot. You can make a decent living off the psquad while doing everything an NFL player on a roster does, except suit up for a game. It's the ideal situation for a guy on the cusp because you're continuing to work your craft, and if an injury happens to come up during the season at your position, you're usually the first guy at replacement. Guys that don't make the practice squad typically have ins some where. Places that they may have interned, or a part time gig so they can continue to workout and focus on their ultimate goal. They jobs they work are practically anything every other typical person does. From retail, banking, food services, trainers, etc. Usually something that allows them time to focus on developing so that come next off-season they can convince a team to try them out and maybe make a roster or practice squad then. It's a cycle. Some guys doe it for years on end, others realize quickly that they just aren't cut out for it, or simply aren't good enough to make it. Pretty rough life.
dont the guys that get invited to camp still make some decent money for attending? not likely enough to justify not working but enough that theyre not broke when theyre cut..
Rookies make $925 a week during camp. They do have there living expenses taken care of as they stay in the team hotel, and usually eat for free if they want to eat at the team cafeteria. Other than that, they don't make any thing else, unless they make the psquad. Vets make $1700 a week during camp.