A 55-year-old man was able to achieve a longtime dream of playing in a college football game decades after most student-athletes usually do.
While age-related statistics are scarce, Thomas is believed to be the oldest player to actively compete in a Division I football game.
Joe Thomas Sr. was on the South Carolina State’s practice squad for approximately four seasons, according to Sports Illustrated. He was finally given the chance to play in a real game on the football team’s “Senior Day.”
Breaking: 55-year-old Joe Thomas Sr becomes oldest DI football player after rushing for 3 yds for @SCStateAthletic. @wachfox pic.twitter.com/eyoSMpZDBK
— Mike Uva (@Mike_Uva) November 19, 2016
“It was the happiest day of my life,” he said after the game.
Age is just a number. 55-year-old Joe Thomas Sr. being carried by his @SCStateAthletic teammates. @wachfox pic.twitter.com/DvM2uTolGT
— Mike Uva (@Mike_Uva) November 19, 2016
Thomas, who was raised in Blackville South Carolina, has a son, Joe Thomas Jr. who currently plays for the Green Bay Packers. After the younger Thomas enrolled at South Carolina State, his father joined along both as a student and as a football player.
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