What you all fail to realize is that not every single athlete is on a full scholarship. The majority are on partial scholarships or are "recruited walk-ons". Sterling Shepard from OU is an example of a "recruited walk-on". There is also the OU rb from a couple years ago, can't remember his name right now, who was the starting rb and was a true walk-on to the team. He didn't receive a scholarship until Coach Stoops did the right thing and gave him one after he suffered a season ending broken leg so his medical bills would be paid.

This is more than just trying to get paid. One of Northwestern football team's main points is proper medical care. Depending on your scholarship level, any out of facility treatment, such as surgery, may come out of the athlete's own pocket.