For many NFL players, hitting the big 3-0 signals the beginning of the end. The wear and tear from a career of collisions and grit often means that most guys hang up their cleats by their mid-30s. But some positions, like quarterback, have proven a little more forgiving for those looking to play into their late 30s and even beyond. Joe Flacco, recently named the Indianapolis Colts’ new starting quarterback, is one of those few resilient veterans defying the odds—and Father Time.
Flacco may not have the same spotlight as Tom Brady did when he played in his 40s, but he’s still showing that, at 39, he’s got plenty left in the tank. As he preps to start Week 9 on “Sunday Night Football,” let’s dive into how old Flacco is, his impressive career, and where he stacks up among the NFL’s oldest players still suiting up.
How Old Is Joe Flacco?
Joe Flacco is currently 39 years old. Born on January 16, 1985, he’s less than three months away from hitting the big 4-0 milestone. While Flacco might be nearing his fourth decade of life, his time on the field remains far from over—he’s still going strong as the Colts’ starting QB.
A Look Back At Joe Flacco’s Football Journey
Flacco’s football journey started with college stints at both Pittsburgh and Delaware before the Baltimore Ravens drafted him 18th overall in 2008. From the get-go, Flacco showed his potential, carving out an illustrious career in Baltimore. Over 11 seasons with the Ravens, he led them to numerous successful campaigns, most notably the unforgettable Super Bowl win in 2013, where he took home Super Bowl MVP honors after a thrilling 34-31 victory over the 49ers.
Flacco’s time with the Ravens wasn’t just about championships; he was consistently productive. In eight of his seasons in Baltimore, he threw for at least 3,000 yards, showcasing his accuracy and poise as one of the most reliable QBs in the league. After the Ravens shifted to the Lamar Jackson era in 2018, Flacco began a new chapter, transitioning between starting and backup roles. He had stints with the Broncos, Jets, and Browns and is now suiting up for the Colts.
Joe Flacco Is Still Going Strong at 39
Since leaving Baltimore, Flacco has embraced a veteran role, providing leadership and experience for each team he’s joined. After a stint with the Browns, he ended up taking on the starting QB role midway through the 2023 season and led Cleveland to the playoffs, even earning the NFL’s Comeback Player of the Year award for his efforts. Now, at 39, he’s proving that he still has plenty to offer in Indianapolis, stepping in for the younger but injury-prone Anthony Richardson.
Despite being a backup at times this season, Flacco has stepped up when needed, showing flashes of the skill and savvy that made him a franchise quarterback for so many years. The Colts have decided to make Flacco the starter moving forward, giving the seasoned vet a chance to lead another team toward the postseason.
Where Flacco Ranks Among The NFL’s Oldest Players
Though he may not be the oldest, Flacco is still one of the NFL’s most seasoned active players. Here’s where he stacks up:
5. Nick Folk – 39, Kicker, Tennessee Titans
Folk, like Prater, has been a staple of NFL special teams for years. Now, with the Titans, Folk shows that specialists can have longer careers, and his reliable leg makes him a go-to veteran kicker for Tennessee.
4. Matt Prater – 40, Kicker, Arizona Cardinals
Prater, one of the league’s most accurate kickers, is currently in his 40s and still going strong. Known for his long-distance field goals, Prater is an invaluable asset to the Cardinals’ special teams.
3. Marcedes Lewis – 40, Tight End, Chicago Bears
Rodgers’ former teammate in Green Bay, Marcedes Lewis, is also still going at 40, making him one of only a handful of players still suiting up in the NFL’s “40 Club.” Now with the Chicago Bears, Lewis continues to contribute as one of the league’s most experienced tight ends.
2. Aaron Rodgers – 40, Quarterback, New York Jets
Rodgers, who joined the New York Jets in 2023 after nearly two decades in Green Bay, holds the title of the league’s oldest active quarterback. Though he suffered a season-ending Achilles injury just a few snaps into the 2023 season, Rodgers is on track for a 2024 return, determined to show that age is just a number.
1. Jason Peters – 42, Offensive Tackle, Seattle Seahawks
At 42, Jason Peters is currently the oldest active player in the NFL, though he’s on the Seahawks’ practice squad. Known for his resilience and strength, Peters has had a decorated career as one of the league’s premier offensive tackles.
Who Holds The Record? The Oldest NFL Player Of All Time
While Joe Flacco is among the oldest in today’s NFL, the all-time record goes to George Blanda, who played until 48. Blanda, who played as both a quarterback and kicker, had an incredible 26-year career that started in 1949 with the Chicago Bears and wrapped up with the Oakland Raiders in 1975. His longevity remains unmatched, as he played well into his late 40s—a record that, decades later, no one has surpassed.
