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Indianapolis Colts

Oldest NFL players: Where Philip Rivers ranks for 2025, all time

Portrait of Jacob Camenker Jacob Camenker
USA TODAY
Updated Dec. 9, 2025, 4:23 p.m. ET

The Indianapolis Colts are attempting a Hail Mary in an effort to save their season. They are signing 44-year-old quarterback Philip Rivers to the practice squad to provide depth to the team's beleaguered quarterback room.

The Colts are currently in the process of navigating a minefield of quarterback injuries. Starting quarterback Daniel Jones suffered a season-ending Achilles tear in Week 14 against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Meanwhile, primary backup Anthony Richardson is on IR and has been unavailable since fracturing his orbital bone in a freak incident before the team's Week 6 game against the Arizona Cardinals. And third-string quarterback Riley Leonard is dealing with a knee injury that will render him "week-to-week" moving forward, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Rivers could have a chance to suit up soon for the Colts, whether it's as an emergency starter or as a backup to Leonard or fellow practice squad quarterback Brett Rypien. If Rivers does, he will add himself to an exclusive list of quarterbacks to play in their age-44 season while also becoming the NFL's oldest active player.

Here's what to know about the NFL's oldest players and where Rivers ranks among the group:

Oldest NFL players of all time

If Rivers dresses for the Colts at any point in 2025, he will become the 15th player in NFL history to suit up for a game at age 44 or older.

Below is a full look at the list of the NFL's oldest players:

  • George Blanda, QB/K: 48 years old (last season: 1975)
  • Morten Andersen, K: 47 years old (2007)
  • Adam Vinatieri, K: 47 years old (2019)
  • John Carney, K: 46 years old (2010)
  • Bobby Marshall, End: 45 years old (1925)
  • John Nesser, OL: 45 years old (1921)
  • Gary Anderson, K: 45 years old (2004)
  • Tom Brady, QB: 45 years old (2022)
  • Ben Agajanian, K: 45 years old (1964)
  • Steve DeBerg, QB: 44 years old (1998)
  • Matt Bryant, K: 44 years old (2019)
  • Eddie Murray, K: 44 years old (2000)
  • Vinny Testaverde, QB: 44 years old (2007)
  • Warren Moon, QB: 44 years old (2000)
  • Philip Rivers, QB: 44 years old (2025)

Only four quarterbacks – Brady, DeBerg, Moon and Testaverde – have started games aged 44 or older. Rivers can become the fifth if the Colts insert him into the starting lineup down the stretch.

Oldest NFL players in 2025

Rivers may not quite be the oldest player in NFL history, but he is the oldest active NFL player after signing with the Colts.

Rivers turned 44 on Dec. 8. That makes him nearly two full years older than Aaron Rodgers, who turned 42 on Dec. 6.

In total, there are 12 players aged 39 or older playing in the NFL this season. Below is a look at the full list:

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