
NFL longevity demands wisdom as much as determination and talent. These seasoned guys can explain
NFL careers are notoriously short. Yet the young man’s league still has some space for the most seasoned players. Wisdom is just as important to sticking around as determination and talent. There were 30 active players who were born in the 1980s when training camps opened. Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is the oldest at age 41. Minnesota Vikings free safety Harrison Smith is 36 and the only defensive back in the group. He has focused his training in recent years around joint mobility to simulate game situations in pursuit of endurance, strength and injury prevention.