Football is a game that demands a lot physically, but some athletes defy the odds, continuing to play well into their 40s. These players prove that experience can rival youthful energy, showcasing the importance of both in the sport.
When you consider the typical career span of an NFL player, it becomes clear that most don’t stay long in the league. The average player’s career is often over within five years, with specific positions like running back or tight end offering even shorter tenures.
Surviving in the NFL takes a blend of natural ability, relentless effort, and a fair share of luck regarding injuries. Today, we’ll explore the NFL’s oldest active players and some of the longest careers in the sport’s history. Given the intensity and brutality of football, the average career today lasts just 3.3 years. That’s why it’s remarkable to witness these veterans playing well into their 40s. It begs the question: how many more players will join the ranks of the NFL’s all-time oldest?
Oldest NFL Players In the League Ever?
There’s a growing trend, led by a couple of the guys on this list, of star quarterbacks playing deep into their late 30s or early 40s. We will see other big names like Ben Roethlisberger, Matt Ryan, and Aaron Rodgers play past 40, but nothing is guaranteed. That’s what makes these names so unique.
Typically, the players who can play the longest take the most minor physical abuse. Still, quarterbacks and offensive linemen are the oldest players in the NFL.
George Blanda – 48
George Blanda (September 17, 1927) played an incredible 26 seasons of football as both a kicker and a quarterback. Ironically, he retired from the Chicago Bears after only ten years because his coach, the one and only George Halas, only wanted to play him as a kicker.
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When he returned to quarterback the Houston Oilers in 1960, he eventually led them to 2 AFL titles before joining the Oakland Raiders in 1967. This legend became the oldest player to play in an NFL game when he finished his long, storied career in the 1976 AFC Championship game, where he kicked a field goal and an extra point in a 16-10 loss to the Steelers.
Morten Andersen – 47
Only two placekickers have been inducted into the Pro Football Hall Of Fame. Morten Andersen (August 19, 1960) is one of them. Despite having one of the most accurate kicking seasons of his career in 2007 (making 25 out of 28 field goals), he announced his retirement in 2008 at 47.
The “Great Dane” remains one of the best kickers in the league’s history and easily one of the best European players ever.
Adam Vinatieri – 48
Having just retired at 48, Adam Vinatieri (December 28, 1972) finished his career with the most points scored, postseason points scored, field goals made, and overtime field goals made. This is sure to make him the third kicker inducted into the HOF in 5 years.
With so many memorable moments, mostly for the New England Patriots during their dynastic years, Vinatieri holds a special place in the hearts of Patriots fans.
John Carney – 46
John Carney (April 20, 1964), along with the aforementioned George Blanda, is one of two players to have played across four different decades. He signed with the Bengals in 1987 and finished his career with his 2nd stint with the Saints in 2009, the year they won their first Super Bowl.
In between, he had stints with the Bucs, Chargers (twice), Jags, Chiefs, and Giants. He’s got several kicking records to his name, in addition to being known as one of the oldest players the league has ever seen.
Gary Anderson-45
Gary Anderson’s NFL career is a remarkable story of endurance and excellence. Over his 23-year tenure, Anderson became the NFL’s all-time leading scorer at one point and cemented his legacy by finishing third in league history for games played, points scored, and field goals made. His consistency and skill were recognized with three All-Pro selections and four Pro Bowl appearances. Anderson’s standout moment came during the 1998 season when he led the entire league in scoring.
Anderson played for several teams throughout his long career, including the Pittsburgh Steelers, Philadelphia Eagles, San Francisco 49ers, Minnesota Vikings, and Tennessee Titans. His retirement at 45 years and 170 days marked the end of an era, as he was the last active player who had played under legendary coach Chuck Noll and the final NFLer born in the 1950s. Even in the twilight of his career, Anderson’s dedication was unwavering, commuting from Canada to continue playing with the Titans.
Tom Brady – 45
Tom Brady stands as one of the most decorated players in NFL history. His impressive resume includes seven Super Bowl titles, five Super Bowl MVP awards, three NFL MVPs, and many other accolades. His most recent championship came with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Super Bowl LV.
Brady initially announced his retirement after 22 seasons, only to reverse that decision just over a month later. However, he eventually hung up his cleats for good in February 2023 at the age of 45 years and 166 days.
Brady played for the New England Patriots and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers throughout his career. And while he boasts an unparalleled winning record, it’s worth noting that he also experienced defeat, losing three Super Bowls along the way.
Also read: NFL Forced To Delete Tweet About Tom Brady After Spreading False News That Had Them Looking Foolish
Ben Agajanian- 45
Despite losing four toes in an accident, Ben Agajanian defied the odds and carved out a long and successful career in the NFL. Known as the “Toeless Wonder,” Agajanian won two NFL championships and played for eight different teams over his 13-year career. Following his playing days, he transitioned into coaching, serving as the kicking coach for the Dallas Cowboys.
Steve DeBerg- 44
Steve DeBerg had a 20-year NFL career, playing for six different teams. In 1979, he led the league in completions, showcasing his skills as a top-tier quarterback. Though he initially retired after playing for the Miami Dolphins, DeBerg made a surprising return to the NFL with the Atlanta Falcons after working as a quarterback coach for the New York Giants. His comeback made history, as he became the oldest player on a Super Bowl roster.
Following his final retirement from the NFL, DeBerg continued to share his expertise in coaching. He took on roles in the Arena Football League, leading the Indiana Firebirds and Tampa Bay Storm from the sidelines.
Warren Moon – 44
Warren Moon left an indelible mark during his 17 seasons in the NFL, racking numerous accolades, including NFL Offensive Player of the Year, NFL Man of the Year, one All-Pro selection, and nine Pro Bowl appearances.
Moon played for several teams throughout his extensive career, including the Houston Oilers, Minnesota Vikings, Seattle Seahawks, and Kansas City Chiefs. Before making his mark in the NFL, Moon had an impressive stint in the CFL, where he played for the Edmonton Eskimos. In total, his professional football career spanned an impressive 23 years.
Who Is The Oldest NFL Player Of All Time?
The oldest NFL player of all time is George Blanda, who played his last game at the age of 48 years and 109 days. Blanda’s career spanned 26 seasons, from 1949 to 1975, during which he played as both a quarterback and a placekicker. He played for several teams, including the Chicago Bears, Baltimore Colts, Houston Oilers, and Oakland Raiders.
Blanda’s longevity in the league is unparalleled. He was known for his versatility and resilience, continuing to play at a high level even as he approached 50. His record as the oldest player in NFL history still stands today, making him a legendary figure in the sport.
Who Will Be the Next Oldest NFL Player?
Aaron Rodgers is the oldest active NFL player, playing for the New York Jets. The quarterback suffered a season-ending Achilles injury early in the 2023 season, but his age and experience still put him at the top of the list.
