In past years, Tom Brady held the distinction of being the oldest active player in the NFL. But since he retired ahead of the 2023 season, there’s a new elder statesman in town. Let’s examine the oldest player currently on an NFL roster.
A Look at the NFL’s Oldest Player in 2026
In 2025, Aaron Rodgers started the season as the NFL’s oldest active player. During the past offseason, he signed a one-year, $13.65 million deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers, a move that likely represents the final chapter of his storied career.
However, Rodgers is no longer the oldest player in the league. On Dec. 9, the Colts signed Philip Rivers after injuries to Daniel Jones and Anthony Richardson Sr.
Rivers, who is 44 years old, last played in the NFL in the 2020 season and is an eight-time Pro Bowler. He is now the oldest player in the league, and Indianapolis brought him back to keep their playoff hopes alive. Unfortunately, the Colts missed the playoffs after finishing the season on a seven-game losing streak, with three of those losses coming while Rivers was their starting quarterback.
Rivers is unlikely to play next season, as he has hinted at retiring from the NFL again. In his short three-game tenure, the 44-year-old quarterback threw for 544 yards, four touchdowns, and three interceptions, while completing 63% of his throws.
Rodgers, who is currently 42 years old, has had a great season with the Steelers. Pittsburgh won the AFC North with a record of 10-7 and will host the Houston Texans in the Wild Card round.
Rodgers threw for 3,322 yards, 24 touchdowns, and seven interceptions in 16 games during the regular season while completing 65.7% of his throws. According to PFSN’s QB Impact metric, the Steelers star is the 29th-ranked quarterback in the league this year.
After an underwhelming stint with the New York Jets, Rodgers was determined not to leave the game on a low note. Joining forces with head coach Mike Tomlin, he’s hoping to make one last Super Bowl run in Pittsburgh.
Who Is the Oldest Player in NFL History?
Even with the impressive longevity of Rodgers and Rivers, approaching the record for the oldest player in NFL history is still extremely unlikely. That honor belongs to George Blanda, the legendary quarterback and kicker who played until he was 48.
Blanda’s extraordinary career stretched from 1949 to 1975 and included time with the Chicago Bears, Baltimore Colts, Houston Oilers, and Oakland Raiders. His final appearance came in the 1975 AFC Championship Game, where he connected on a 41-yard field goal and an extra point.
Across 26 seasons, Blanda assembled one of the most decorated careers in football history. He won three AFL championships, earned AFL MVP honors, was named NFL Man of the Year, and received AP Male Athlete of the Year recognition. He was also a four-time AFL All-Star, three-time All-AFL selection, and a two-time AFL passing yards leader.
His legacy includes selection to the AFL All-Time Team, recognition as one of the Top 100 Greatest Bears of All Time, and induction into the Titans’ Ring of Honor. Blanda still holds several NFL records, including the most seasons played (26) and the most career extra points made (943). He is also tied for the record for most passing touchdowns in a single game with seven.
After Blanda, the next-oldest players in league history were kickers Morten Andersen at 47, followed by Adam Vinatieri and John Carney, who both played until age 46.
