Phil Robertson Could've Had NFL Career But Chose Duck Hunting

Phil Robertson of "Duck Dynasty" turned down an opportunity to play in the NFL, which turned out to be a pretty good choice given his wealth and the popularity of his TV show.

Robertson chased the pigskin in college at Lousiana Tech, playing with people like former Pittsburgh Steeler Terry Bradshaw, Reality TV Magazine said, but when it came down to making football a life career, he chose duck hunting instead.

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Robertson told Hollywood Access Live he fielded several offers for the NFL and would have made $60,000.

“I thought, ‘And I miss duck season? And I have large, violent men chasing me trying to stomp me in the dirt?’ It just seemed like a lot of stress and not a lot of money,” the popular duck hunter said during the Hollywood Access interview.

The popularity of "Duck Dynasty" continues to grow, so Robertson clearly had an instinct for what he needed to do in life. His face is on T-shirts, wildly recognizable with dark sunglasses and gray beard, and he’s able to spread his faith message through talks.

Robertson recently visited University of Louisiana, where he spoke about his beliefs.

“I’m not an ordained preacher. I’m just a guy who builds duck calls. I love my country. We have a great family structure that you see on television,” Robinson said, according to the Shreveport Times. “I’m just trying to get America and the rest of the world to do two things — love God and love your neighbor.”

The Times said Robertson called his speech there the “River Rat State of the Union Address,” and took the time to talk backstage about his marriage. He and Kay have been married about 50 years.

“It wasn’t easy, but most things that really are worthwhile are not,” the newspaper quoted Kay as saying. “I was just committed, and I stayed the course, and I’m glad I did.”

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