Jack Pyburn, a promising athlete who was anticipating a potential return to college football at LSU, has found his path redirected by the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs claimed the linebacker off waivers from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, according to the NFL waiver wire.

Pyburn’s rookie salary with the Chiefs is $885,000, which contrasts with the estimated $1 million he might have earned through NIL deals at LSU. This situation highlights the growing financial competitiveness between college football and the NFL for some players. Pyburn’s story is not unique; other quarterbacks have opted to join the NFL despite the high earnings possible from college football, trading immediate gains for long-term career prospects.

Initially, Pyburn joined college in Louisiana, contributing significantly to LSU’s football program. In his single season there, he played 12 games, starting in 11, and recorded 52 tackles, 2 sacks, and 5.5 tackles for loss. Yet, these accomplishments didn’t guarantee an immediate lucrative future, as evidenced by his undrafted status.

Pyburn’s situation is also entangled in legal developments involving NCAA regulations. A temporary restraining order allowed athletes from Louisiana, including Pyburn, to play college football in 2026, provided they could cancel their NFL contracts and repay any earnings. Pyburn was poised to exercise this option until the Chiefs claimed him, altering his trajectory.

While Pyburn’s NFL contract remains intact, and his association with LSU concludes, he has reportedly withdrawn from the eligibility lawsuit related to college football.