Although we have already paid tribute to the oldest active NFL players, those who came before them are equally as they played an important role to the culture and history of the sport. Many of the oldest living retired football players are old enough to have served in the military during World War II. (Xanax) Some of them even fought in the same battles, such as the Battle of the Bulge and were presented with various awards for their wartime service.
Each of the following players below either played in the National Football League (NFL) or one of its predecessors. Before the American Football League (AFL) merged with the NFL in 1970 there was no AFC, NFC, Super Bowl, Pro Bowl, or any of the modern traditions that fans enjoy today. However, many of these old players are legends in their own right and were early heroes of the NFL. A few of these old players went on to have long coaching careers in the NFL, which is what they are better known for.
As of March 2020, this list is as accurate as possible and includes the oldest known living former football players who have enough public information out there. This is list will be regularly updated in the future as needed.
10. Lenny Moore (November 25, 1933 – Present)
Current Age (as of February 2021): 87 years, 2 months, 29 days
Years Active in the NFL: 1956 – 1967 (12 seasons)
Team(s): Baltimore Colts (1956 – 1967)
Position(s): Halfback
photo source: Pro Football Hall of Fame
Lenny Moore played with Raymond Berry for the Baltimore Colts from 1956 to 1967. Unlike nearly every other player on this list, Moore did not go on to become a coach. Moore was a halfback/flanker and is one of the reasons why the Colts were a top team during that era.
Moore was known for his speed, which made him an excellent runner. He was also a great receiver, scoring 63 rushing touchdowns over his 12 seasons in the NFL. Moore did have a knee injury in 1962 and lost his starting status, but quickly bounced back the following season. In 1975, Moore was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Did You Know?
Until his record was beat in 2005 by LaDainian Tomlison, Lenny Moore scored a touchdown in an NFL-record 18 consecutive appearances starting in 1963 and continuing through the entire 1964 season.
9. Raymond Berry (February 27, 1933 – Present)
Current Age (as of February 2021): 87 years, 11 months, 27 days
Years Active in the NFL: 1955 – 1967 (13 seasons)
Team(s): Baltimore Colts (1955 – 1967)
Position(s): Split End (Wide Receiver)
photo source: Wikimedia Commons
Raymond Berry was a split end, the predecessor of the wide receiver, for the Baltimore Colts from 1955 to 1967. Following his playing career, Berry worked as an assistant coach for numerous teams before serving as head coach of the New England Patriots from 1984 to 1989.
Interestingly, Berry didn’t fit the typical football player profile and was considered small and unassuming. However, Berry worked hard to make up for his lack of natural athleticism and went on to become one of the best wide receiver of his era. Berry’s dedication to his craft paid off and he was named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1973.
Did You Know?
Raymond Berry had to wear special shoes because one of his legs was shorter than the other.
8. Joe Schmidt (January 19, 1932 – Present)
Current Age (as of February 2021): 89 years, 1 month, 4 days
Years Active in the NFL: 1953 – 1965 (13 seasons)
Team(s): Detroit Lions (1953 – 1965)
Position(s): Linebacker
photo source: Wikimedia Commons
Joe Schmidt is another former NFL player who also had a long career as a coach. In total as both a player and coach, Schmidt was with the Detroit Lions from 1953 – 1972. As an early linebacker (called a “defensive quarterback” at the time), Schmidt made a name for himself as the defensive leader of the Lions.
Schmidt was well-respected by his team and was chosen as the Lions’ field captain for nine straight seasons. Although he wasn’t the first middle linebacker, Schmidt played a large part in solidifying the position’s importance in football.
Did You Know?
Over his career as a player, Joe Schmidt had several notable achievements, including being named the Detroit Lions’ MVP four times and elected to the Pro Bowl ten straight years from 1955 through 1964.
7. Tom Brady (August 3, 1977 – Present)
Current Age (As of August 2024): 47 Years, 0 months, 26 days
Years Active in the NFL: 2000–2022
Team(s): New England Patriots, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Position(s): Quarterback
photo source: Wikimedia Commons
Tom Brady is celebrated as one of the most accomplished quarterbacks in NFL history, known for his strategic thinking and precision on the field. Throughout his 22-year career, he amassed seven Super Bowl victories, the most in NFL history for any player, and numerous MVP awards that underscore his critical role in his teams’ successes.
Did You Know?
Despite his monumental success, Brady’s humble beginnings in the NFL are a popular anecdote; he was the 199th overall pick in the 2000 draft, making his rise to stardom one of the greatest underdog stories in sports history.
6. Brett Favre (October 10, 1969 – Present)
Current Age (As of August 2024): 54 years, 2 months
Years Active in the NFL: 1991–2010
Team(s): Green Bay Packers, New York Jets, Minnesota Vikings
Position(s): Quarterback
photo source: Flickr
Brett Favre’s legacy includes his powerful arm, fearless play style, incredible resilience, and consistency. Favre was the first player to win three consecutive NFL MVP awards (1995–1997), and he retired with some of the most impressive stats in NFL history, including 508 touchdown passes.
Did You Know?
Favre’s record of 297 consecutive starts is one of the most daunting in sports. It demonstrates not just skill but remarkable physical durability and mental toughness.
5. Jerry Rice (October 13, 1962 – Present)
Current Age(As of August 2024): 61 Years
Years Active in the NFL: 1985–2004
Team(s): San Francisco 49ers, Oakland Raiders, Seattle Seahawks
Position(s): Wide Receiver
photo source: Wikimedia Commons
Jerry Rice, often referred to as the greatest wide receiver in NFL history, set numerous records that still stand, including the most career receptions (1,549), receiving yards (22,895), and receiving touchdowns (197). His work ethic and ability to perform under pressure made him a pivotal player in every game.
Did You Know?
Jerry Rice’s training regimen was legendary; his hill running workouts are especially famous for their intensity and have inspired many athletes across sports to adopt similar routines.
4. Dub Jones (December 29, 1924 – Present)
Current Age (as of February 2021): 96 years, 1 month, 25 days
Years Active in the NFL: 1946 – 1955 (10 seasons)
Team(s): Miami Seahawks (1946); Brooklyn Dodgers (1946 – 1947); Cleveland Browns (1948 – 1955)
Position(s): Halfback
photo source: Wikimedia Commons
Dub Jones, born William Augustus Jones, is one of the few former pro football players who is currently in their late 90s. Jones was drafted back in 1946 by the Chicago Cardinals, but did not sign with the team as he wanted to remain at Louisiana State University to finish out his studies. However, the Miami Seahawks offered Jones a $12,000 (about $160,973 today) contract and he accepted. Not long after, Jones was traded to the Brooklyn Dodgers, where he played sparingly.
Early in the 1947 season, Jones suffered several injuries and was traded to the Cleveland Browns, where he was finally allowed to shine, after he recovered from his injuries. Jones remained with the Browns until he retired in 1955. He returned to the Browns as a Coach in 1963 and left football for good in 1968.
Did You Know?
Dub Jones is tied with Ernie Nevers of the Chicago Cardinals (1929) and Gayle Sayers of the Chicago Bears (1965) for the most touchdowns scored in a single game, with six.
3. Emmitt Smith (May 15, 1969 – Present)
Current Age (As of August, 2024): 55 years, 3 months
Years Active in the NFL: 1947 – 1990–2004
Team(s): Dallas Cowboys, Arizona Cardinals
Position(s): Running Back
photo source: Flickr
Emmitt Smith is not only celebrated for his record-breaking career rushing yards but also for his strategic vision on the field and his unmatched ability to find and exploit openings in the defense. His tenure with the Dallas Cowboys saw him become a cornerstone of the team’s offense, leading them to numerous playoffs and three Super Bowl victories.
Did You Know?
Smith once competed on the popular TV show “Dancing with the Stars,” showcasing his versatility and charisma off the field by winning the competition in its third season.
2. Joe Montana (June 11, 1956 – Present)
Current Age (As of August, 2024): 68 years, 3 months
Years Active in the NFL: 1979–1994
Team(s): San Francisco 49ers, Kansas City Chiefs
Position(s): Quarterback
photo source: Flickr
Known for his poise and precision, Joe Montana led the San Francisco 49ers to four Super Bowl titles during his illustrious career. His performances in high-stakes situations, particularly his calm demeanor in the clutch, earned him the nickname “Joe Cool.”
Did You Know?
Montana’s flawless record in the Super Bowl (4-0) and three Super Bowl MVP awards are testaments to his effectiveness and leadership in critical moments of the game.
1. Bruce Smith (June 18, 1963 – Present)
Current Age (As of August, 2024): 61 years, 2 month
Years Active in the NFL: 1985–2003
Team(s): Washington Redskins
Position(s): Defensive End
photo source: Wikimedia Commons via Bowman
Bruce Smith is the all-time leader in quarterback sacks, a record that illustrates his dominance on the defensive line. Over his career, he was feared for his ability to disrupt the opposition’s game plans, making him a pivotal figure in the Bills reaching four consecutive Super Bowls in the early 1990s.
Did You Know?
Smith’s number 78 was retired by the Buffalo Bills as a tribute to his contributions to the team and his enduring legacy in the NFL.
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