In recent years, Tom Brady held the distinction of 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.
Who Is the Oldest Player in the NFL?
The Seattle Seahawks recently signed offensive tackle Jason Peters to their practice squad. At 42 years old, Peters is now the oldest player in the league.
Prior to Peters’ signing, New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers was the NFL’s oldest player for the first month of the season. Rodgers is currently 40 years old.
Peters is entering his 21st season in the NFL, as he was part of the 2004 NFL Draft class. Believe it or not, Peters actually went undrafted, but he’s managed to have an incredible career, becoming a Super Bowl champion, six-time All-Pro selection, nine-time Pro Bowler, and a member of the 2010s All-Decade Team.
Over the course of his NFL career, Peters has appeared in 248 games (with 221 starts).
To understand just how old Peters is, consider that he played with Drew Bledsoe, Troy Vincent, and Lawyer Milloy during his early years with the Buffalo Bills.
Who Is the Oldest Player in NFL History?
While Peters’ longevity is impressive, it seems unlikely that he’ll be able to break the NFL record for the oldest player ever on an NFL roster. That distinction belongs to quarterback/kicker George Blanda, who played in a game at 48 years old.
Blanda’s NFL 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.
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).
After Blanda, the next-oldest players in NFL history were kickers Morten Andersen (47), Adam Vinatieri (46), and John Carney (46).