Playing in the NFL has benefits...

that I think do, or at least can, trump the NCAA. The world-wide adulation, fame, winning a Lombardi - - BUT - -

At a more personal and emotional level I don't think the NFL offers what the NCAA does. I've never read a survey regarding this but my guess is that a retired NFL player would be more likely to look back more fondly on his NCAA days than his NFL days. What I'm getting at is:

Opting out of the Bowl games is their loss. It's kind of like, to me anyway:

remembering those carefree days of youth with buddies that shared all that you were - with latter days of worldly goods worship. Ok, that was harsh. but I think you get my point.