AND I think employers realize this as well. I think pretty much any employer who sees that a job applicant was a college athlete, will give that applicant an edge up. Because they know what playing a college sport entails
Just speaking as someone who has hired a lot of engineers - I don't think thats entirely accurate. Maybe in some professions? But surprisingly (or not), not necessarily true in mine.
Engineering research orgs are looking for high GPAs and research acumen. 'Ball player' on resume is seen as 'neato!' but not a whole lot more...by most hiring managers.