Winning a Super Bowl is the dream of every NFL player, but for most, their careers end before they even get a chance. While football is a young man’s game, a few legendary players have defied time and lifted the Lombardi Trophy in their late 30s and even into their 40s. From quarterbacks to punters, these athletes proved that age is just a number—especially when you have a championship ring to show for it. Let’s take a look at the 10 oldest players to ever win a Super Bowl.
1. Tom Brady – 43 Years, 188 Days
It’s no surprise that the GOAT tops this list. Tom Brady won his record-breaking seventh Super Bowl at 43 years old with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Super Bowl LV. Even after proving himself as the greatest quarterback of all time, he continued playing for two more seasons before finally retiring.
2. John Elway – 38 Years, 217 Days
For most of his career, John Elway was known as the quarterback who couldn’t win the big game—until he did. He led the Denver Broncos to back-to-back Super Bowl victories, winning his last at 38 years old in Super Bowl XXXIII. He retired on top as a Super Bowl MVP.
3. Earl Morrall – 38 Years, 241 Days
Earl Morrall is the perfect example of a backup quarterback making the most of his opportunities. He stepped in for an injured Johnny Unitas and helped the Baltimore Colts win Super Bowl V. Later, he won two more Super Bowls with the Miami Dolphins, playing a role in their undefeated 1972 season.
4. Babe Parilli – 38 Years, 250 Days
Babe Parilli may not be a household name, but he played a crucial role as Joe Namath’s backup during the New York Jets’ legendary Super Bowl III victory in 1969. He didn’t get much playing time, but he walked away with a championship ring—something many NFL superstars never achieved.
5. Mark Brunell – 39 Years, 143 Days
A Pro Bowl quarterback in his prime, Mark Brunell finished his career as a backup for the New Orleans Saints. In Super Bowl XLIV, he didn’t play a single snap, but he still earned a ring watching Drew Brees lead the Saints to victory.
6. Lomas Brown – 39 Years, 302 Days
Lomas Brown was a dominant offensive lineman for years but never made it to the Super Bowl with the Detroit Lions. Late in his career, he joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and finally won a championship in Super Bowl XXXVII, ending his career with a well-deserved ring.
7. Peyton Manning – 39 Years, 320 Days
By the time he won Super Bowl 50, Peyton Manning wasn’t the same superstar quarterback he once was. His arm strength was fading, but thanks to Denver’s incredible defense, he managed to secure his second Super Bowl win before retiring.
8. Andrew Whitworth – 40 Years, 63 Days
One of the best offensive linemen of his generation, Andrew Whitworth played 16 seasons before finally winning a Super Bowl with the Los Angeles Rams in 2021. At 40 years old, he became one of the oldest players ever to win a championship before retiring on top.
9. Mike Horan – 40 Years, 363 Days
Just two days before his 41st birthday, veteran punter Mike Horan won Super Bowl XXXIV with the St. Louis Rams. He only punted twice in the game, but when you’re playing with “The Greatest Show on Turf,” that’s all you need.
10. Jeff Feagles – 41 Years, 333 Days
Jeff Feagles was one of the best punters in NFL history, known for his accuracy and longevity. At nearly 42 years old, he played a key role in helping the New York Giants defeat the undefeated New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII.
These players proved that experience and determination can sometimes outlast youth and speed. While the average NFL career is short, these athletes showed that skill, preparation, and resilience can lead to success even in the later years of their careers. Whether as starting quarterbacks, offensive linemen, or punters, they all contributed to Super Bowl victories and cemented their place in NFL history. Their stories are a reminder that in football, just like in life, age is just a number.
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