Hope resides in old quarterbacks

There are some things in life that give you hope. Or make you feel a little better about yourself. 

I’m talking about old quarterbacks. Quarterbacks who’ve been around the NFL for nearly two decades. Ancient men who should be in traction, given the number of hits they’ve endured, have made it into the playoffs again.

In football years, they’re in their 90s. Tom Brady, the oldest and most successful of them all, is a centenarian. At the golden age of 43, he gives me the most hope (yes, we’re the same age and, with some imagination, a similar physique). Valued for his football IQ, the man is a little less agile than when he won his first Super Bowl at 24, but he’s adapted. Now he’s a vegetarian, yoga-practicing father of three. The increased flexibility has paid off – when he gets hit, he turns into a human pretzel.  

Then there’s Drew Brees, father of four, maybe five kids by now. Almost 42, the guy has lost some arm strength, but makes up for it with his passion. He still has the drive of a 20-year-old, even though he runs like he's got a permanent knot in his back. 

Ben Roethlisberger, or Big Ben as he’s called, should really be in a senior’s home. Instead he’s led his team to a 12-4 record at the ripe age of 38. This big bruising quarterback has broken his foot, nose, thumb and ribs; dislocated his shoulder and fingers; sprained his ankle and foot; torn his knee meniscus and, most recently, his throwing arm's elbow tendons (the only NFL QB to return from such an injury). Quite frankly, it’s a miracle he can still walk upright. 

Aaron Rodgers has had a few less injuries (two broken collar bones, three concussions, and a broken foot), but at age 37 will likely be the league’s MVP. This young, spry QB still scampers for touchdowns like he’s, well... 31. He plans to play until he’s 45. We can only hope they’ll one day allow wheelchairs onto the field. 

Like I said before, these are stories of hope. When I watch old guys like these, at the peak of their careers, I want to go out and chuck a football around – show those youngsters in the park what a man my age can do. 

Or, on second thought, maybe I’ll just sit on the couch and watch some football. 

It’s so much easier on my back.