Tom Brady received a ton of praise for his longevity, and deservedly so. When he played in his final NFL game back in 2022, he was 45 years and 166 days old. Brady led the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to a Super Bowl victory at 43 years old, and he finished as the NFL MVP runner-up in 2021 at 44 years old. Even in his final season, he posted impressive numbers.
But believe it or not, several NFL players were older than Brady when they appeared in their final game. In fact, Brady is just the sixth-oldest player to play in an NFL game. Let’s examine the three oldest players in league history.
George Blanda, QB/K
The distinction of oldest player to appear in an NFL game belongs to quarterback/kicker George Blanda, who was 48 years old and 109 days old when he suited up for the final time.
Blanda’s NFL/AFL career lasted from 1949 to 1975, and he played for the Chicago Bears, Baltimore Colts, Houston Oilers, and Oakland Raiders. His final game was the 1975 AFC Championship Game, where he kicked a 41-yard field goal and an extra point.
#Raiders Mad Bomber, Coach Madden and AL DAVIS spoke of George Blanda. 🏴☠️🏈🧓🏻 pic.twitter.com/GPimeNGWNf
— AFL Godfather 👓🏴☠️🔥 (@NFLMAVERICK) September 17, 2021
Over the course of his career, he was a three-time AFL champion, AFL Most Valuable Player, NFL Man of the Year, four-time AFL All-Star, three-time All-AFL selection, two-time AFL passing yards leader, and AP Male Athlete of the Year.
He was also named to the AFL’s All-Time Team, selected as one of the Top-100 Greatest Bears of All Time, and earned a spot in 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’s also tied for the most passing touchdowns in a single game (seven).
Morten Andersen, K
You’ll notice a trend on this list: the top five oldest players were all kickers. This makes sense, as it’s the position that takes the least beating, so they have less wear and tear on their bodies into their 40s than most NFL players. While quarterbacks’ arms typically lose accuracy and power over time, kickers’ legs seem to hold up well over the years.
Andersen was a fourth-round pick (No. 86 overall) in the 1982 NFL Draft by the New Orleans Saints. He would also play for the Atlanta Falcons, New York Giants, Kansas City Chiefs, and Minnesota Vikings throughout his career. He played in his final game at 47 years and 133 days old.
He became a seven-time Pro Bowler, six-time All-Pro, two-time Golden Toe Award winner, and Walter Camp Man of the Year. Andersen has the rare distinction of being selected to two All-Decade Teams: the 1980s team and 1990s team. He was also inducted into the Saints’ Hall of Fame and Ring of Honor.
MORE: Who Is the Oldest Active Player in the NFL?
He still holds the NFL record for most games played (382), most consecutive games scoring (360), and most game-winning field goals (103).
Adam Vinatieri, K
Vinatieri is widely regarded as the best kicker in NFL history. He’s a four-time Super Bowl champion, three-time All-Pro, and three-time Pro Bowler who was named to the NFL’s 2000s All-Decade Team and 100th Anniversary All-Time Team.
Happy 48th birthday to legendary kicker @adamvinatieri!
🐐 4x Super Bowl Champion
🐐 NFL 2000s All-Decade Team
🐐 #NFL100 All-Time Team
🐐 NFL’s All-Time Leading Scorer (2,673 points) pic.twitter.com/xNPMd9bLzg— NFL Legacy (@NFLLegacy) December 28, 2020
Also, he is the NFL’s all-time leading points scorer (2,673), and he still holds multiple NFL records, including the most made field goals (599), most consecutive made field goals (44), most made field goals in overtime (11), most made field goals in the postseason (14, tied with Evan McPherson).
Vinatieri was incredible during his prime, playing a critical role in the New England Patriots’ dynasty and thriving with the Indianapolis Colts for more than a decade. However, his longevity also stands out, as he played in his final game at 46 years and 338 days old.
After Vinatieri, rounding out the top-five of oldest players to appear in an NFL game are kickers John Carney (46 years and 173 days old) and Gary Anderson (45 years and 170 days old).