Raiders general manager John Spytek declines comment on players returning to college
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 2, 2026, 12:23 AM
Last updated Sep 2, 2026

Raiders general manager John Spytek and assistant general manager Brian Stark addressed the media Tuesday regarding NFL players attempting to return to college football programs. The topic emerged amid recent discussions about athletes exploring potential loopholes in eligibility rules after being cut by professional teams. While Stark described the trend as a permissible option for players, he avoided offering a definitive stance on the practice. Spytek declined to offer his opinion on the matter, specifically refusing to provide any comments echoing those made by Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard. Ballard previously labeled the concept as illogical, questioning why athletes would choose to revert to the college level after competing to reach the professional ranks. Spytek's remark drew laughter from the assembled media, effectively ending further questioning on the subject during the availability.
- •John Spytek and Brian Stark fielded questions Tuesday regarding NFL players returning to college.
- •Brian Stark stated he could not fault players for utilizing available eligibility options.
- •Chris Ballard previously criticized the movement of players returning to college football.
- •John Spytek explicitly refused to mirror comments made by the Colts general manager.
- •The exchange occurred during a scheduled media session at the Raiders facility.
- 12:23 AMYahoo Sports — Raiders GM John Spytek has perfect response to NFLers returning to college ball
"Raiders GM John Spytek had a perfectly hilarious response when he was asked about cut NFL players trying to go back and play college ball.
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