Oldies But Goodies

Football Digest, Nov, 2000 by Barry Wilner

We shift our focus to players who defied the odds and flourished after age 35, including the incomparable Darrell Green

DARRELL GREEN COULD BE THE poster boy for the NFLs over-40 set. Of course, he's just about the only member. The other 40-somethings in the NFL are Atlanta Falcons kicker Morten Andersen, Minnesota Vikings kicker Gary Anderson, and Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Warren Moon, but kickers don't really count and Moon has spent the past couple seasons warming the bench.

Green defies all logic; he's a physical specimen we aren't likely to see again in pro football. For nearly two decades, the Washington Redskins cornerback has been among the speediest players in the league. Even at his advanced age--he turned 40 in February--he still can outrun almost anyone in football.

And even with the addition of Deion Sanders and the rapid development of second-year player Champ Bailey, the Skins had no thoughts of ridding themselves of Green. He's too strong a leader, too significant a presence in the locker room. In fact, during the offseason Washington signed him to a five-year, $10 million extension, which included a $2 million bonus.

"I told him I don't think we'll ever let him retire, because he's a big part of everything I've been through here," Redskins coach Norv Turner says. "I consider him a very close friend of mine. We've worked together for six years. Everything hasn't exactly been rosy that whole period of time, and he stood up every time we were challenged and has been a great leader for us."

Leadership can be a burden as well as an honor, but Green has handled his duties superbly. He knows he is aberration--and he is grateful for fortune. "There's a unique gift in this body. God has made a deposit in me, and these are the results of it," says Green. "I've been doing this for years,"

Indeed, Green is in a class of his own, which is why this story focuses on players who have continued to excel after the age of 35, a rare feat in itself. Years ago, in fact, such longevity was almost unheard at most positions. Here's why:

* Some players went two ways, which wore down their bodies more quickly.

* Players got jobs in the offseason, which means they didn't stay in shape the way they do today. As a result, they burned out sooner.

* Workout equipment and regimens weren't as elaborate or sophisticated.

Still, over the years there have been a number of players who have achieved something special beyond their 35th birthday, and we've turned the spotlight on several of the best of them. You'll notice that, for some of the reasons we've stated, most are of a recent vintage.

JOHN ELWAY, QUARTERBACK

The first pick overall in the 1983 draft and a tremendously successful player for most of his career, Elway put the finishing touches on his legacy in his final two seasons. At age 37, he guided the Denver Broncos to Super Bowl 32. After losing in the first three Super Bowl appearances of his career, Elway finally tasted victory, as the Broncos shocked the heavily favored Green Bay Packers.

Elway could have retired on that winning note, but instead he came back and made one more triumphant sweep through the league. The last game of his career was one of his best: an MVP performance in Denver's win over the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl 33.

"I can't think of any way to top off my career," he said following that legendary effort. "It's tempting to keep going, but I can look back on having such a great time and then capping it off like this."

REGGIE WHITE, DEFENSIVE END

The last place you'd expect to find longevity in football is on the defensive line. Forget the games--the practices alone take a brutal toll. And considering the need for speed and an explosive burst, the slightest dropoff can spell the end.

White, the NFL's all-time rock leader, has been a rare exception. The defensive end even came out of retirement this year at age 38 to play for the Carolina Panthers. Just two seasons ago, at 36, White was the NFL's defensive player of the year, leading the NFC with 16 sacks. He may not have left the game hoisting a Super Bowl trophy like Elway did, but he still was in top form.

Now White is intent on creating more late-career memories. "There's still a desire to play," he says. "My age doesn't matter if I can still play."

BRUCE MATTHEWS, OFFENSIVE LINEMAN

How ancient is Matthews? His coach on the Tennessee Titans, Jeff Fisher, was his teammate at Southern Cal. And how brilliant has the 39-year-old Matthews been throughout his career? He's been to 12 Pro Bowls in 17 seasons, as a guard, tackle, and center.

As the years have gone by, Matthews has been able to maintain his place among the game's elite. "Ask the guys who play against him, and they know it's always a battle," says Titans offensive line coach Mike Munchak, a former teammate of Matthews'. "Sure, he's slowed a little bit, but there aren't many centers in the league who are better. Put him at guard, and it's the same thing."

Last season Matthews finally reached the pinnacle of his sport, playing in the Super Bowl for the first time in his career. We'd be hard-pressed to think of a guy who deserved it more.