Who is the oldest quarterback to ever play in an NFL game?
While Aaron Rodgers ranks as the oldest NFL quarterback in the ‘23 season, he’s not the oldest QB in NFL history yet; George Blanda wins the title at 48.
The New York Jets and their fans were dealt a crushing blow as star quarterback Aaron Rodgers faced a major setback just moments into 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 is on the brink of turning 40 this December, leading to questions about his ability to recover swiftly from such a severe injury.
Aaron Rodgers recently captured 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 highlights his determination and sheds 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. But does Brady win the title of the oldest NFL quarterback in the league’s history?
Who is the oldest NFL quarterback?
Brady will still need another three years to be 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.
Tom Brady, the third-oldest active NFL player
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.
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.