Three things.
1) kids can't go from high school to NBA anymore they Have to wait one year after high school. That's why most kids go to collage and are one and done.
2) my Mickey D's comparison was wrong but not for the reason you pointed out. It's wrong because it's a job. Playing collage football is not. It's a luxury.
3) according to you not only do they get a free education. They get access to top notch coaches, training equipment, nutrition and to play against/with other top talent. All for free to help develope their "talents" for the next level? Sounds to me it was better for them than I thought...