The 9 Toughest Jobs in the NFL

In the NFL, there are more difficult jobs than easy ones. And the demands have gotten greater as the years go by.

Being a head coach today requires an 18-hour, 365-day-a-year grind, which is far more strenuous than it was about 30 years ago.

In addition, the pressures from the ever-growing football fanbase and the always-swamping media can make an occupation, including starting quarterback, feel overwhelming.

Here are the nine jobs that are the toughest in the game right now.

9. Philadelphia Eagles Trainer

With each game, they are at the ready to aid their fragile quarterback.

Michael Vick is undoubtedly one of the most exciting players in the game due to his ability to scramble. But with that thrilling nature also comes the possibility of injury.

That has certainly been the case so far in 2011. The banged up Vick has had numerous ailments: broken ribs, concussion, bruised non-throwing hand.

Philly's trainers consistently have the duty of trying to make sure that its prized signal-caller is able to go on the field each week.

8. Indianapolis Colts Broadcaster

Without Peyton Manning, the 2011 version of the Indianapolis Colts are impossibly hard to watch.

The good news for us fans is that we don't have to view the entirety of each impending defeat.

For those that are assigned to broadcast the club, both nationally and locally, it must feel like 10 quarters rather than the usual four.

7. Kicker at Heinz Field

Kicking in a domed stadium is tough enough. Trying to get one between the uprights at the open end of Pittsburgh's Heinz Field is a perilous endeavor.

Since the Steelers' most recent home park opened at the start of the 2001 campaign, it has been widely regarded as the toughest place to kick a field goal successfully.

6. Denver Broncos Quarterbacks Coach

The most talked about player in today's NFL, Tim Tebow, has an impressive 4-1 mark as a starting quarterback this season and has his Broncos in a position to win the AFC West.

All of this despite the former Heisman Trophy winner's unorthodox method of playing the position.

Regardless of what his coaches might say, they certainly want Tebow to develop his passing skills. After all, it's not often that a QB can win an NFL contest with just two completions.

The task of trying to transform the ex-Florida Gator into a typical pocket passer is easier said than done. However, if they continue to win, coaches may not care.

5. Jacksonville Jaguars Marketing Director

How do you sell the lowly Jaguars to a community that's clearly more in tune with college football? Not an easy task.

Rookie quarterback Blaine Gabbert doesn't pose the excitement that would draw fans to their very ordinary home stadium.

Aside from Maurice Jones-Drew, there isn't much incentive for patrons to flock to their remaining home games.

4. Referee in Steelers-Ravens Game

Every time an official has to work a contest between two of the game's most-bitter rivals, Pittsburgh and Baltimore, a wrestling match usually breaks out.

The refs better have their flags handy for any violent and late hits in a Steelers-Ravens tussle. Verbal jabs are also prevalent between the players.

Keeping the game under control and preventing it from getting out of hand is priority No. 1 for the men in black and white.

3. Dallas Cowboys Starting Quarterback

Granted, it has its perks.

That's especially the case if "America's Team" is winning. Tony Romo, Troy Aikman and Roger Staubach all became instant celebrities due to their talent on the field for the nation's most recognized club. 

However, this high-profile status adds a great deal of pressure from fans and media alike. Romo knows this full well due to his thrilling winning combined with his mind-boggling meltdowns.

2. Dallas Cowboys Head Coach

If being a Cowboys quarterback is tough, being responsible for the entire team is even tougher.

Tom Landry held this spot for an unprecedented 29 years. When he started in 1960, the demands to win, and win now, were far less intense. By the end of his career, a few losing seasons was enough for new owner Jerry Jones to fire the legend. 

In a league full of parity and free agency, Dallas is expected to contend each season. And the bulk of the pressure falls on the man leading the club on the sideline.

1. Commissioner

He's the man who oversees the biggest sports enterprise in America, which entails him to boatloads of criticism.

Roger Goodell didn't exactly endear him to fans when he headed the owners' lockout of the players this offseason.

Another point of contention has been the overprotection of quarterbacks along with the increased penalties (especially financially) for questionable defensive hits. At the same time, Goodell is aiming to protect the long-term health of the players.

It's just a small part of the balancing act that will attract scrutiny from pretty much any decision he makes.