NFL Intelligence Test

What is the NFL Intelligence Test?

The Wonderlic test is an intelligence assessment used for NFL draft picks. It consists of 50 questions that must be completed in 12 minutes, designed to evaluate players' mathematical, reasoning, and vocabulary skills under significant time pressure. This cognitive assessment has become a standard part of the NFL draft evaluation process, helping teams gauge prospects' mental capabilities alongside their physical attributes.

History of the Wonderlic in the NFL

Dallas Cowboys Head Coach Tom Landry first introduced the Wonderlic test to the NFL in 1970. Landry believed the test could help assess a player's potential to succeed at the professional level by measuring their cognitive abilities and learning capacity. The test was designed to predict how well players could handle complex playbooks, make quick decisions under pressure, and adapt to the strategic demands of professional football.

Interestingly, a 2009 study revealed a negative correlation between player performance in certain roles and scoring highly on the Wonderlic test. This finding sparked debate about the test's effectiveness and suggested that while cognitive ability is important, it may not be the sole predictor of on-field success for all positions.

Why is the Wonderlic Used in the NFL Draft

The Wonderlic test serves a critical purpose in the NFL draft evaluation process by assessing players' decision-making abilities under challenging conditions. This is particularly valuable for strategically important positions such as Quarterback, Center, Offensive Tackle, and Guard, where players must process information rapidly, communicate effectively with teammates, and execute complex plays under pressure.

Teams use Wonderlic scores to evaluate a prospect's communication skills, strategic thinking potential, and ability to learn and retain complicated offensive or defensive schemes. While physical attributes like speed, strength, and agility remain paramount, teams increasingly recognize that mental acuity plays a crucial role in a player's ability to succeed at the highest level of professional football.

Take Your Own IQ Test

Want to see how your intelligence compares to NFL players? Take our Full IQ Test (50 questions, 12 minutes) or Quick IQ Test (25 questions, 6 minutes) to measure your cognitive abilities and compare your score with professional football players in our Wonderlic Score Database.