"Why does the NFL get a free minor league system?" isn't the right question.

"Why should the NFL spend a whole bunch of money to build its own system when colleges have fallen all over themselves for 100+ years to provide one for free?" is a better one, and it's certainly a more realistic one than wondering why the world isn't fair.

Especially when colleges--even ND--will happily continue delivering a free minor league system to make sure they get their cut of the revenue.

If the three year rule was removed it allows colleges to argue that you can play NCAA football in return for an education. If you want to play for money you can play professionally.

Vets are already being squeezed out by cheaper young players...they would not vote in favor of a rule that will make that worse.

NFL rules are collectively bargained, my man.

From the application of usual laws that prohibit such collusion in restraint of trade.

If Congress is to address this issue, this exemption absolutely needs to be a part of the discussion.

and one that all here should heed; quite simply, it goes to the point that Jack and Jenk went up the hill to bargain with Congress, not to win hearts and minds of the collective society.

...NFL to change? Let's set aside the question of whether anybody even wants them to change. Assume the colleges did. Could they make it happen?

Sure.

Would it stop Google from hiring their students? Not for a second.

Colleges may have a vested interest in forcing the NFL to set up a minor league system. Players don't; they'll take whatever path is in front of them.

Short of shutting down the sport, I think colleges have no influence on this issue.