One has to factor in the intellect of each individual, and McElroy is at the top end of that scale. Lets be honest as well, he was not a top high end athlete like Julio or Ingram that he shared rge same huddle with. He was good, but not a superstar, which is a majority of athletes. I say this because while he did make NFL money for a couple of years, it wasn't enough to retire on forever, so he used his education and time within the program to earn a position making good sums of money broadcasting. A lot of guys will not have this ability between the ears or the drive to maximize their opportunities, but having a free education and access to the inner happenings of a program is invaluable.
I'd say 80% of these guys on the roster make no money for the university. That may be low considering. Even some guys seeing playing time don't. It's Saban, Julio, Tua, Ingram, Richardson, Tua, Hurts, Cooper, Henry, Mac, Devonta, Bryce, Najee kind of guys making the money for Alabama. Not an interior offensive or defensive lineman.
So yes, I agree with McElroy that if you broke it down by athlete they make more on average off going to their school than their school makes off of them specifically.