Joe Flacco in the 40+ club: Here’s where the Bengals QB ranks amongst oldest NFL players

The Cincinnati Bengals have used 40-year-old Joe Flacco as their starting quarterback for the 2025 season after Joe Burrow’s injury. Flacco was impressive in his first game with the Bengals against the Steelers. The two teams face each other again in Week 11.

A Super Bowl XLVII MVP with 45,697 career passing yards, Flacco now ranks as the third-oldest player in the league.

Oldest players in the NFL in 2025

The oldest player to ever play in the NFL was George Blanda, a quarterback and placekicker who did not retire until he was 48 years old (1976). While Flacco isn’t quite there, he is joining an exclusive club of current players approaching that mark.

The current oldest player is Rodgers at 41 years old. With Rodgers also starting with the Pittsburgh Steelers, 2025 marks just the eighth season in NFL history with multiple quarterbacks aged 40 or older taking the field.

10 oldest NFL players in the 2025 NFL season:

1. QB Aaron Rodgers, Steelers: 41 years old (Dec. 2, 1983)
2. K Nick Folk, Jets: 41 years old (Nov. 5, 1984)
3. QB Joe Flacco, Browns: 40 years old (Jan. 16, 1985)
4. C/LS J.J. Jansen, Panthers: 39 years old (Jan. 20, 1986)
5. C/LS Jon Weeks, 49ers: 39 years old (Feb. 17, 1986)
6. P Thomas Morstead, 49ers: 39 years old (March 8, 1986)
7. C/LS Morgan Cox, Titans: 39 years old (April 26, 1986)
8. QB Josh Johnson, Commanders: 39 years old (May 15, 1986)
9. DL Calais Campbell, Cardinals: 39 years old (Sept. 1, 1986)
10. K Graham Gano, Giants: 38 years old (April 8, 1987)

Related stories

NFL

Steelers vs Bengals - Rodgers vs Flacco

NFL

This is the oldest quarterback to ever play in the NFL

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.

Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.