Some say football is a young man’s game, but a handful of NFL veterans are proving otherwise. These players have lasted well beyond the average career span. Here’s a look at 15 of the oldest active players heading into the 2025 season.
Aaron Rodgers – 41 Years Old
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Aaron Rodgers will turn 42 on December 2, but he’s still suiting up—this time in black and gold. After a year sidelined by injury, he’s now leading the Steelers and mentoring a young offense. The four-time MVP has over 59,000 career passing yards and doesn’t appear to be in any rush to walk away from the game just yet.
Marcedes Lewis – 41 Years Old
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Still going strong at 41, Marcedes Lewis holds the record for the most NFL seasons played by a tight end. He is known for his elite blocking and leadership, and last played for the Chicago Bears in 2024. While currently a free agent, Lewis, who was drafted in 2006, hasn’t closed the door on a 2025 return and continues training like a rookie.
Matt Prater – 40 Years Old
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Matt Prater remains a legend for long-distance kicks. The former Arizona Cardinals kicker turned 40 last August and owns the NFL record for the longest field goal, 64 yards, until Justin Tucker’s 66-yarder broke it. Though unsigned entering 2025, teams needing a clutch leg could come calling during the season.
Joe Flacco – 40 Years Old
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Joe Flacco led the Browns to a 4-1 record in 2023, throwing for 1,616 yards and 13 touchdowns in five starts. Now 40 years old, he re-signed with the Browns for the 2025 season. As a Super Bowl MVP with over 42,000 career passing yards, Flacco has played for multiple teams and remains a proven option when pressed into action.
Nick Folk – 40 Years Old
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This athlete built a career that has now spanned nearly two decades. After kicking for the Titans in 2024, Nick Folk has signed with the New York Jets for the 2025 season, marking a return to his former team. He has made over 87% of his field goals in recent years and led the league in field goal percentage in both 2023 and 2024.
J.J. Jansen – 39 Years Old
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Few fans notice long snappers, but J.J. Jansen’s longevity deserves some love. He’s been a steady force for the Panthers since 2009 and holds the franchise record for most games played. In 2023, Jansen became the longest-tenured player in Carolina Panthers history by surpassing 250 career games played without missing a single one due to injury.
Josh Johnson – 39 Years Old
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Josh Johnson has played for 14 NFL teams—yes, 14. The ultimate journeyman turned 39 in May and currently holds a spot on Washington’s roster. His knowledge of offenses across the league is unmatched. Johnson’s career arc is unique, having even played in the UFL and XFL.
Thomas Morstead – 39 Years Old
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At 39, Thomas Morstead continues to deliver elite punting, having signed with the San Francisco 49ers for his 17th NFL season. He won a Super Bowl with the Saints and has built a reputation for exceptional hang time and placement. In 2023, Morstead led the league in punts inside the 20-yard line and finished in the top five in net punting average.
Morgan Cox – 39 Years Old
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Morgan Cox isn’t slowing down after nearly 200 NFL games. At 39, he’s still anchoring special teams for the Titans. As a four-time Pro Bowler and former Raven, Cox has played in two AFC Championship games and was part of the All-Decade Team for the 2010s. Off the field, he’s also a certified public accountant.
Jon Weeks – 39 Years Old
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Jon Weeks spent 13 seasons with the Houston Texans and signed with the 49ers in March 2025. At 39, he remains one of the most experienced long snappers in the league. He holds the Texans’ all-time record for games played. Weeks was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2015 and played in over 210 consecutive games without missing a snap due to injury.
Calais Campbell – 38 Years Old
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Calais Campbell returned to the Cardinals, where his career began in 2008. The 6-foot-8 lineman has logged over 100 career sacks and remains a force in the trenches at 38. Campbell was also the 2019 Walter Payton Man of the Year. Even after 16 seasons, he still commands double-teams.
Brandon Graham – 37 Years Old
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Brandon Graham turned 37 in April 2025. The veteran defensive end has spent his illustrious career with the Philadelphia Eagles while winning a Super Bowl and earning Pro Bowl honors. Graham continues to be a vital part of the Eagles’ defensive line rotation.
Blaine Gabbert – 35 Years Old
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Blaine Gabbert remains one of the longest-tenured backup quarterbacks in the league. Drafted tenth overall by the Jaguars in 2011, Gabbert has played for several teams—including the 49ers, Cardinals, Buccaneers, Titans, and, most recently, the Kansas City Chiefs. He served as the primary backup to Patrick Mahomes during Kansas City’s most recent Super Bowl run.
Brian Hoyer – 39 Years Old
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Brian Hoyer continues to hover around the NFL despite not being currently signed. Last with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2023, the veteran quarterback has not officially announced his retirement. Across his 15-year career, Hoyer has suited up for eight different NFL franchises, accumulated over 10,600 passing yards, and made 40 starts.
Trent Williams – 37 Years Old
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Trent Williams is still widely recognized as one of the elite left tackles in the NFL, if not the very best, at 37. He’s an 11-time Pro Bowler and three-time First-Team All-Pro. Having established a Hall of Fame-caliber career, he primarily shone with the Washington Commanders before joining the San Francisco 49ers.
