Is there a single answer for this question? Guess not, and that's the best aspect about it. At the beginning, you don't need to know every player, every coach, every formation or every college from where players could enter the NFL to be able to enjoy this beautiful game. Well, sooner or later you'll want to know more.
Sooner or later you'll eventually understand more, just by gathering some experience watching and following the NFL. It's like a side effect you're completely fine with. I'm not saying you're going to end up like me, being in a situation where all you could think of or dream of is to work in this industry. But that could happen to you easily. I often feel that even just getting a chance, finding an opportunity is quite impossible, if you consider I'm living in Europe. But a wise man (from Nike) once said: impossible is nothing. You need to follow your dreams and do everything you can to achieve them.
Don't get me wrong, there are obviously far more difficult things in life people have already achieved. That's where you should get your inspiration. So back to the NFL. There are stories for every day when people came through adversity and achieved their dreams. Of course, there are probably ten people who couldn't make it for every single one who did. But you can bet that the people who're willing to do the extra step, who are looking at every obstacle as a new way of improving, who just don't know the worlds like can't, won't, shouldn't are the ones who'll end up making it.
There are other ways of finding your motivation: some ask for guidance and strength from God, some turn to their family, friends for positive energy and belief. You don't need to be religious or to have a supportive environment (of course it's a plus if you have it) to succeed: all you need is to believe in yourself. If you'd like to have a career as a player, coach, front office member, journalist, analyst, literally anything in the sports industry, it's going to be tough. Especially if you don't have connections. But that's how life works anyway. You're going to be under a lot of pressure, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. With the right amount of pressure, you could have diamond out of coal. If you're already in love with this game and would like to have a living from it, all you need is dedication, time and effort.
Of course some luck could be more than useful, but if you want to better each and every day and also make the effort, it's only a matter of time and you'll get your opportunity.
