Age is supposed to be a disadvantage in the NFL, where speed, power, and endurance reign supreme. But a few legends refused to hang up the cleats and instead proved Father Time had nothing on them, at least not for a while.
From kickers with iron legs to quarterbacks who somehow kept dodging hits for decades, these are the oldest players in NFL history. Some kept their bodies in peak shape, others leaned on experience and finesse, but all of them earned a spot on this list by sticking around way longer than anyone expected.
17. Jerry Rice – 42
The greatest wide receiver ever kept grinding long after his prime and still found ways to contribute. Even in his 40s, defenders had to respect his routes.
16. Ben Agajanian – 45
Agajanian kicked in multiple leagues and lost part of his kicking foot, but that didn’t stop him. He was one of the first specialists and kicked professionally into his mid-40s.
15. Matt Stover – 42
A reliable leg for two decades, Stover kicked in the NFL until he was 42, finishing his career with the Colts in the Super Bowl. He was as steady as they come, right up to the end.
14. Phil Dawson – 44
Dawson was the ultimate “reliable veteran” and quietly had one of the longest careers ever for a kicker. Even in his 40s, he remained dependable and clutch for the Browns and Cardinals.
13. Steve DeBerg – 44
DeBerg came out of retirement to suit up at 44 for the Falcons. It wasn’t pretty, but he still technically pulled it off and added to his reputation as a journeyman QB.
12. Gary Anderson – 45
Known for his iconic single-bar helmet and incredible accuracy, Anderson played 23 seasons. He came close to perfection in 1998 and kept kicking well into his 40s.
11. John Carney – 46
Carney had a sneaky-long career and was still drilling field goals as a senior citizen by NFL standards. He even made a Pro Bowl at 44.
10. Morten Andersen – 47
The Great Dane was automatic for nearly three decades. His longevity as a kicker is nearly unmatched, and he’s one of the highest scorers in league history.
9. Jason Hanson – 42
The longtime Lions kicker played 21 seasons and somehow stayed consistent through all of them. He retired as one of the most accurate kickers in league history and the definition of steady.
8. Bobby Marshall – 45
A true pioneer, Marshall played in the early 1900s and helped break racial barriers in pro football. He kept suiting up until he was 45, back when helmets were optional.
7. Lou Groza – 43
“The Toe” was a kicker and tackle who started in the 1940s and stuck around forever. He even came out of retirement to help his Browns when they needed him.
6. Vinny Testaverde – 44
Testaverde had one of the most bizarrely long careers for a quarterback. He could still sling it at 44, even if the wins didn’t always follow.
5. Warren Moon – 44
Moon’s cannon of an arm didn’t age as fast as the rest of him. He kept throwing darts deep into his 40s and left the game with Hall of Fame numbers.
4. Jeff Feagles – 44
Punter longevity is its own superpower, and Feagles used it better than almost anyone. He didn’t miss a single game in 22 seasons.
3. George Blanda – 48
Blanda didn’t just stick around, he was a legitimate contributor into his late 40s. He holds the record for the oldest player to throw a touchdown pass.
2. Adam Vinatieri – 48
Vinatieri went from kicking game-winners for the Patriots to doing the same for the Colts into his late 40s. Clutch, consistent, and annoyingly ageless.
Read More: Ranking the 20 Best MLB Stars of the 1980s
1. Tom Brady – 45
He may not have been the absolute oldest, but he’s the most iconic elder statesman in NFL history. Winning a Super Bowl at 43 and playing like a top-tier QB at 45 secures his spot at the top.
Read More: 15 NFL Teams That Let One Playoff Loss Define Their Era
