đ„ HOT NEWS: Aaron Rodgers embraces Philip Riversâ comeback with a smile, admitting he loves no longer holding the âoldest playerâ title âĄ. DH

The Steelers quarterback no longer holds the top spot in the leagueâs age rankings.

The sport of football has long been considered a kids’ gameâbut in 2025, the NFL has transformed into not just a manâs league, but an old manâs one.
So far this season, weâve seen Joe Flacco earn a starting job in Cleveland before being traded in-division for another one, Aaron Rodgers lead the Steelers to a 7â5 record and a spot atop the AFC North, and just this week, 44-year-old(!) Philip Rivers sign with the Colts after not playing since the 2020 season.

Rodgersâ42 years old himselfâwas asked about Riversâ return to Indy on Thursday, and relayed a perfect, self-deprecating answer.
âIâm not the oldest guy in the league,â he said with a smile. âLove that. Itâs pretty incredible, though. Because heâs been out for, I believe, four full seasons, plus part of this season. I was laughing because a couple of my buddies hit me up asking what I would do in that situation and I said, without missing a beat, âIâm retired, Iâm staying retired.ââ

âSo big credit to Phil,â Rodgers continued. âIâve been a fan of his forever. Iâve known him a little bit over the years. I just love the way that he competes, and playsâagain not the most gifted playerâbut cerebral as all get out, hilarious trash talker, and I wish him nothing but the best … I hope he goes out and it’s just like riding a bike and he can jump right back in the saddle, and I expect him to.”

A pretty cool answer, and perspective, from the former oldest player in the NFL.
Who are the oldest active players in the NFL?

With Rivers returning to action, there are now five active players in the NFL age 40 or older (41-year-old tight end Marcedes Lewis was waived by the Broncos on Thursday. Hereâs a look at each:
| Player | Age | Team |
|---|---|---|
| QB Philip Rivers | 44 | Indianapolis Colts |
| QB Aaron Rodgers | 42 | Pittsburgh Steelers |
| K Nick Folk | 41 | New York Jets |
| K Matt Prater | 41 | Buffalo Bills |
| QB Joe Flacco | 40 | Cincinnati Bengals |

Like I said, an old manâs game.




