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Aging in the NFL: Players Adapt to Stay Ahead of Mother Nature

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

As the NFL grapples with the increasing challenges of player injuries and the relentless march of time, many players are finding ways to adapt and extend their careers. For Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith, reaching 36 has put a new emphasis on preserving joint range and strength through customized training regimens.

Smith, a 14-year veteran, has tailored his workouts to simulate the stresses of NFL games on his critical body parts, particularly his elbow. "All the strength work in the world isn't really going to translate to real strength on the field if your joints don't have the range they once did, especially range under load," he said.

In a league where less than half the players had at least five years of experience last season, Smith is one of the few defensive backs over 35. Among the 30 players born in the 1980s currently playing in the NFL, only six are defenders, and Smith is the lone defensive back. Rodgers is the oldest active player at 41, followed by New York Jets kicker Nick Folk (40) and Cleveland Browns quarterback Joe Flacco (40).

Key Takeaways:

  • Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith has developed customized training regimens to preserve joint range and strength at 36, focusing on simulating the stresses of NFL games.
  • Smith's training emphasis is on maintaining elbow flexibility, as reaching for tackles can put arm muscles and tendons at risk.
  • Longevity in the NFL requires more than determination and talent; players must adapt to physical decline and attention to nutrition and body care.
  • The Association of NFL players born in the 1980s is dwindling; only 30 players remain, with Smith as the lone defensive back over 35.
  • Rodgers is the oldest active player at 41, followed by New York Jets kicker Nick Folk (40) and Cleveland Browns quarterback Joe Flacco (40).
  • Smith and Rodgers are among the few exceptional cases of players challenging age norms in the NFL.
  • Players like Smith, Rodgers, and Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce are adapting to stay ahead of the physical decline, with Smith noting, "You have to evolve every single year."
  • The group of defying-aging players includes defensive linemen Calais Campbell, Cameron Jordan, John Jenkins, Von Miller, and Cameron Heyward, all over 30.

Statistics:

  • 30 NFL players were born in the 1980s, with Smith as the lone defensive back over 35.
  • Less than half the NFL players (45%) had at least five years of experience last season.
  • Only 5 offensive skill-position players other than quarterbacks are over 35 (Kelce, Williams, Beachum, Bellore, and Davis).
  • Rodgers is the oldest active player at 41, followed by New York Jets kicker Nick Folk (40) and Cleveland Browns quarterback Joe Flacco (40).

Sources:

  • The Associated Press review of 90-man rosters across the league last week
  • Interviews with Harrison Smith, Travis Kelce, Trent Williams, Kelvin Beachum, and Cameron Heyward
  • Statistics from the NFL's 2023 season

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