Who are the oldest quarterbacks in the NFL at the moment?

Who are the oldest quarterbacks in the NFL at the moment?

Lenah Ann
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:19 PM

While most quarterbacks in the national football league have been unable to play in their 40s, some of them have defied the odds and extended their careers, playing even in their later years. One of them is Tom Brady, the oldest quarterback in the NFL at the moment.

Oldest quarterbacks in the NFL as of 2022
Who are the oldest quarterbacks in NFL at the moment? Photo: Patrick McDermott, Chris Graythen, and Tiffany Rose (Modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

But even though Tom Brady ranks as the oldest quarterback in the NFL as of 2022, apparently, he is not the oldest quarterback in the history of the sport. And while every position on a football team is essential, the quarterback is arguably the most vital member of any team.

Top 10 oldest quarterbacks in the NFL history

Taking the position of quarterback requires more skill, intelligence, and even better leadership qualities. According to the national football league, the average age of an NFL quarterback is mid 30s. But who has defied this low and surpassed the set age? According to recent studies, here are some of the oldest quarterbacks in the NFL.

10. Brett Favre (10 October 1969 to present)

Oldest quarterbacks in the NFL history
Brett Favre walks up the 14th fairway during the Celebrity Foursome at the second round of the American Family Insurance Championship on 11 June 2022 in Madison, Wisconsin. Photo: Patrick McDermott
Source: Getty Images

Brett Favre is renowned for being one of the NFL's greatest quarterbacks currently. However, he was temporarily banned from the sport in 1996 following abuse of alcohol and strong painkillers. He is one of those famous personalities with so many controversies to his name.

But even though the famous NFL player had so many controversies, on the field, Brett Favre was a phenomenal quarterback and still holds several NFL records. Additionally, in 2016, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Oldest age while playing

41 years of age (2010)

Years active

1991 to 2010 (19 years)

Team(s) played for

Atlanta Falcons, Green Bay Packers, New York Jets, and Minnesota Vikings

9. Drew Brees (15 January 1979 to present)

Oldest quarterbacks in the NFL still playing
Drew Brees chips onto the green during a pro-am prior to the Zurich Classic of New Orleans at TPC Louisiana on 20 April 2022 in Avondale, Louisiana. Photo: Chris Graythen
Source: Getty Images

Drew is currently the second-oldest active NFL quarterback after the legendary Tom Brady. He turned 42 years a few days before his final game in the 2020 NFL season. On 6 February 2021, Brees re-negotiated his contract with the New Orleans Saints for the next season.

Drew's passion for football began decades back while at Purdue University. He set his first two NCAA records, 13 Big Ten Conference records, and 19 Purdue University records.

Oldest age while playing

42 years of age (2021)

Years active

2001 to present (20 years)

Team(s) played for

San Diego Chargers, New Orleans Saints (2006 to present)

8. Earl Morrall (17 May 1934 to 25 April 2014)

Oldest QB to play in NFL
Earl Morrall speaks with the media in 1972 at the Orange Bowl in Miami. Photo: Miami Herald
Source: Getty Images

Morrall debuted as a rookie with the San Francisco 49ers in 1956 and went on to play in the league for 20 years. During his career days, he would play as a starter as well as a backup quarterback. Consequently, he is renowned for being one of the greatest backup quarterbacks in NFL history.

Throughout his career journey in the NFL, Morrall took part in 255 games and completed 1,379 passes for 20,809 yards and 161 touchdowns.

Oldest age while playing

42 years of age (1976)

Years active

1956 to 1976 (21 years)

Teams(s) played for

San Francisco 49ers, Pittsburgh Steelers, Detroit Lions, New York Giants, Baltimore Colts, and Miami Dolphins

7. Doug Flutie (23 October 1962 to present)

Oldest quarterbacks in the NFL still playing
Former NFL Player Doug Flutie attends the 2022 NFL Alumni Legends party hosted by Rob Gronkowski at Avalon Hollywood & Bardot on 11 February 2022 in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Paul Archuleta
Source: Getty Images

Doug Flutie's professional football career spanned over 22 years, but he was not always playing in the national football league. The famed NFL player debuted on the scene with the United States Football League before finally signing with the Chicago Bears in 1986.

He left to play for the Canadian Football League for the next decade. Doug had many accomplishments and awards, including being the 1984 Heisman Trophy recipient and 1998 NFL Comeback Player of the Year.

Oldest age while playing

43 years of age (2006)

Years active

1986 to 1989, 1998 to 2005

Team(s) played for

Chicago Bears, New England Patriots, Buffalo Bills, and San Diego Chargers

6. Warren Moon (18 November 1956 to present)

Oldest quarterbacks in the NFL still playing
Warren Moon arrives at the 22nd Annual Harold and Carole Pump Foundation Gala at The Beverly Hilton on 19 August 2022 in Beverly Hills, California. Photo: Tiffany Rose
Source: Getty Images

Warren had an exceptional career not only in the national football league but also in the Canadian Football League, CFL. He spent five years with the CFL's Edmonton Eskimos before joining the Houston Oilers in 1984.

He continued being an impressive quarterback in the NFL and within no time he was among the squad that led the league with 4,689 passing yards, 362 completions, 33 touchdowns, and 584 attempts.

Oldest age while playing

43 years of age (2000)

Years active

1984 to 2000 (16 years)

Team(s) played for

Houston Oilers, Minnesota Vikings, Seattle Seahawks, and Kansas City Chiefs

5. Vinny Testaverde (13 November 1963 to present)

Oldest quarterbacks in the NFL as of 2022
NFL Player Vinny Testaverde attends SiriusXM's Live Broadcast from Radio Row during Bowl XLVII week on 1 February 2013 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Photo: Cindy Ord
Source: Getty Images

At the fifth position, sits Vinny Testaverde, born on 13 November 1963. He has been a quarterback for 21 years and started his professional career in 1987. During his time in the NFL, he played for seven teams, starting with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and ending with the Carolina Panthers.

Oldest age while playing

44 years of age (2007)

Years active

1987 to 2007 (21 years)

Team(s) played for

Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Cleveland Browns, Baltimore Ravens, New York Jets, Dallas Cowboys, New England Patriots, and Carolina Panthers

4. Tom Brady (3 August 1977 to present)

Oldest quarterbacks in the NFL right now
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady walks over to a friend before the regular season game against the New Orleans Saints on 5 December 2022 in Tampa, Florida. Photo: Cliff Welch
Source: Getty Images

Tom Brady is one of the oldest quarterbacks in the NFL still playing. Not only is he among the oldest quarterbacks in the NFL, but also the oldest active player in the sport. Although the famed NFL player is in mid 40s, he is one of the greatest NFL players in history.

The renowned sensational athlete has spent the better part of his career with the New England Patriots, leading the team to six Super Bowl wins. However, at the beginning of 2022, Tom announced that he was going to retire. But 40 days following the announcement, he claimed that he had returned and was ready to play for the Buccaneers for the 2022 season. Allegedly, Brady claims he will play till his 50s.

Oldest age while playing

44 years of age (2022) 

Years active

2000 to present (22 years)

Team(s) played for

New England Patriots, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

3. Steve DeBerg (19 January 1954 to present)

Oldest QB to play in NFL
Steve DeBerg of the Kansas City Chiefs warms up prior to the start of a football game circa 1990. Photo: Focus on Sport
Source: Getty Images

Born on 19 January 1954, meet the third legendary, quarterback Steve DeBerg. Although he is not remembered for winning any Super Bowl, he is recognised for being the oldest starting quarterback.

After his retirement in 1993, Steve returned for the 1998 season as a backup for the Atlanta Falcons. He then played his only and final game that season, ending his career at 44 years.

Oldest age while playing

44 years of age (1998)

Years active

1977 to 1993, 1998 (17 years)

Team(s) played for

San Francisco 49ers, Denver Broncos, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Kansas City Chiefs, Miami Dolphins, and Atlanta Falcons

2. John Nesser (25 April 1876 to 29 July 1931)

John Nesser is one of those legends who have had the opportunity to play with their siblings. His time in the NFL predates the foundation of the sport. He and his brothers were the most famous football family in the United States of America.

He played for the Columbus Panhandlers, which is considered one of the NFL's oldest teams. Following the difference in the sport's culture during the 1920s, Nesser is not widely recognised as a quarterback.

Oldest age while playing

45 years of age (1921)

Years active

1909 to 1921 (12 years)

Team(s) played for

Colombus Panhandles

1. George Blanda (17 September 1927 to 27 September 2010)

Oldest quarterbacks in the NFL history
George Blanda of the Chicago Bears throws a few warmup passes at practice session here. Photo: Bettmann
Source: Getty Images

And to the oldest quarterback in the history of the NFL, meet George Blanda, who retired at the age of 48. While in the NFL, he played in different teams and organisations for 26 years; 1949 to 1975.

He played for the Chicago Bears from 1949 to 1958, the Baltimore Colts in 1950, the Houston Oilers from 1960 to 1966, and finally the Oakland Raiders from 1967 to 1975. He not only holds the record for being the oldest QB to play in the NFL but also the oldest professional football player in the sport's history.

Oldest age while playing

48 years of age (1976)

Years active

1949 to 1975 (26 years)

Team(s) played for

Chicago Bears, Baltimore Colts, Houston Oilers, and Oakland Raiders

Oldest active NFL quarterbacks as of 2022

The following players have been ranked the oldest active quarterbacks in the NFL as of December 2022.

Player's name

Age (as of December 2022)

Team

Aaron Rodgers

38

Green Bay Packers

Joe Flanco

37

New York Jets

Chad Henne

37

Kansas City Chiefs

Matt Ryan

37

Atlanta Falcons

Bryan Hoyer

36

New England Patriots

Colt McCoy

36

Arizona Cardinals

Chase Daniel

35

Los Angeles Chargers

Andy Dalton

34

Chicago Bears

The National Football League has run for a long time, and quarterbacks have come in and out of the league at various points. However, there are some of the oldest quarterbacks in the NFL that are worth recognising. The likes of Tom Brady, George Blanda, John Nesser, and so many others.

READ ALSO: The 15 best volleyball anime you need to watch at least once in your life

SportsBrief.com has recently compiled a list of some of the best volleyball anime and manga you need to watch at least once in a lifetime. It is only natural if the sport inspires filmmakers to make movies and anime to entertain their fans further.

Volleyball anime provides some of the best entertainment for anime and volleyball fans. If this looks like a list of interest to you, click this article and experience some of the best volleyball manga as of 2022.

Authors
Lenah Ann photo
Lenah Ann
Lenah Ann is a Kenyan-based content creator with 2 years of experience. She graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Mass Media and Communication from Dedan Kimathi, Kenya in 2021.