The Oldest NFL Players Drafted: A Historical Overview

The history of American football in the National Football League (NFL) is filled with remarkable stories of perseverance and achievement. One particularly intriguing aspect of NFL history is the age of the players who are selected through the draft. Below, we explore the history of the oldest players to be drafted into the NFL, including notable athletes such as John McCarthy, Morten Andersen, and Brandon Weeden.

John McCarthy: The Record Holder

Among those who have been drafted into the NFL, the record holder for the oldest player to be selected is John McCarthy. McCarthy, then 33 years old, was selected by the Miami Dolphins in the 8th round of the 2006 NFL Draft. This selection firmly placed McCarthy in the annals of NFL history as the oldest player to be drafted through the regular draft process.

Morten Andersen: A Late Bloomer

In more recent history, Morten Andersen holds the title as the oldest player to be drafted in a modern NFL context. Selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the 7th round of the 2007 NFL Draft, Andersen was 38 years old at the time. His selection by the Falcons cemented his status as a unique and notable figure in NFL history.

Brandon Weeden: First Round Distinction

Brandon Weeden, quarterback for the Oklahoma State Cowboys, is another remarkable player in this regard. Born in January, Weeden was 29 years old when he was drafted by the Cleveland Indians in the 18th round in 2008 and later was selected by the Cleveland Browns in the 4th round of the 2011 NFL Draft. Weeden holds the distinction of being the oldest player ever selected in the first round, making him a significant addition to the NFL ranks.

Chris Weinke: A Quarterback with Tenacity

Chris Weinke, quarterback for the Florida State Seminoles, is also a notable player in this context. He was the oldest quarterback selected in the draft, at 29 years old when he was chosen by the Carolina Panthers in the 4th round in 2001. Weinke has a unique background, having tried to become a professional baseball player with the Toronto Blue Jays before returning to college at age 25 to pursue a football career. His path to the NFL shows resilience and determination.

George Blanda: Staying Power

While not the oldest draft pick, George Blanda, who retired in 1976 at the age of 48, is another player who stayed in the game exceptionally long. Blanda also holds the NFL record for the most seasons played with 26, showcasing his longevity and remarkable dedication to the sport. His career is a testament to the resilience and passion needed to keep playing at such a high level for many years.

From the record holder John McCarthy to the first-round pick Brandon Weeden, there is a rich tapestry of stories in the NFL involving players who have persevered and achieved remarkable feats despite their ages. Each of these athletes has added a unique dimension to the league's history and serves as an inspiration to current and future players alike.

Keywords: oldest NFL player, NFL draft, notable athletes