NFL
Who is the oldest quarterback to ever play in an NFL game?
While Aaron Rodgers ranks as the oldest NFL quarterback this season, he’s not the oldest QB in NFL history yet.
The New York Jets and their fans were dealt a crushing blow as star quarterback Aaron Rodgers faced a major setback just moments back at the start of the 2023 NFL season. Rodgers, a key asset for the team, tore his Achilles tendon a mere four plays into the game, sending shockwaves through the football community.
The injury, a significant setback for the Jets, raised concerns about Rodgers’ future on the field. Many experts speculated that this devastating incident could potentially sideline him until the 2024 season. Rodgers’ age amplified such fears, as he was set to turn 40, led to questions about his ability to recover swiftly from such a severe injury.
Aaron Rodgers, at the time, managed to capture the internet’s attention with a viral video showcasing his incredible progress. Fifteen weeks after undergoing innovative surgery, Rodgers was spotted effortlessly throwing passes at MetLife Stadium. This remarkable feat highlighted his determination and shed light on the advancements in medical procedures that reshape how athletes recover from injuries.
After refusing to retire, Tom Brady was officially the oldest active player in the NFL. At 45 years old, the six-time Super Bowl winner was the only NFL player in his 40s, as well as the oldest MVP in the NFL. However, the ranking has now changed since the Patriots legend swapped his helmet for a microphone.
Who is the oldest NFL quarterback?
Brady, unfortunately, still needed to hang on another three years to become the oldest quarterback in NFL history. The former Chicago Bears quarterback, George Blanda, is graded the oldest player and quarterback to ever play in the league, retiring at age 48 in 1976.
Blanda, who played 10 years with the Chicago Bears followed by seven seasons with the Houston Oilers and nine years with the Oakland Raiders, was the first player to celebrate a Silver Anniversary in pro football as he finished his career with an all-time high of 26 seasons.
He was named Player of the Year for quarterbacking and the “Player Who Best Exemplifies the Pride and Spirit of the Oakland Raiders” in 1970.
John Nesser comes in second place as the second-oldest quarterback in the NFL, retiring at 45 years old. (Although Brady un-retired and played in the NFL, they are technically tied for second.)
Interestingly enough, Nesser started playing football before the NFL even existed in 1909 and went on to play for the Columbus Panhandlers, considered the first NFL team ever.
The Brady saga finished. At 44 years old, he retired. Two months later, he made a controversial choice to un-retire before the start of the 2022 season, leading to a divorce from his wife, Gisele Bundchen, just after his 45th birthday and followed by a season of disappointment.
Oldest players in the NFL:
No. 1: 40 years old: Aaron Rodgers, New York Jets, QB (Dec. 2, 1983)
No. 2: 40 years old: Marcedes Lewis, Chicago Bears, TE (May 19, 1984)
No. 3: 39 years old: Matt Prater, Arizona Cardinals, K (Aug. 10, 1984)
No. 4: 39 years old: Nick Folk, Tennessee Titans, K (Nov. 5, 1984)
No. 5: 39 years old: Joe Flacco, Indianapolis Colts, QB (Jan. 16, 1985)
No. 6: 38 years old: JJ Jansen, Carolina Panthers, C/LS (Jan. 20, 1986)
No. 7: 38 years old: Jon Weeks, Houston Texans, C/LS (Feb. 17, 1986)
No. 8: 38 years old: Thomas Morstead, New York Jets, P (March 8, 1986)
No. 9: 38 years old: Morgan Cox, Tennessee Titans, C/LS (April 26, 1986)
No. 10: 38 years old: Josh Johnson, Baltimore Ravens, QB (May 15, 1986)
In the 2020 season, Brady’s old Patriots teammate, Adam Vinatieri, and Saints quarterback Drew Brees were the two other NFL players in their 40s. However, they both retired entering the 2021 season, leaving Brady solo in the 40s club.
However, that’s not the end of the story, either. There are currently two players in their 40s still plying their trade at the elite level of American football: Aaron Rodgers (Jets) and Marcedes Lewis (Bears). However, Rodgers edges out Lewis as the oldest by almost half a year, giving him the crown of active NFL veteran for the season.