These days, NFL players, especially quarterbacks, are sometimes playing longer than their predecessors ever did before, due to a combination of better medical care, nutrition, and changes in rules and play styles. Still, no one plays forever, and once a player hits a certain age, its only a matter of time before he's through. These are the seven NFL starting QBs who will be at least 34 years old at the start of the 2016 season. I've also included their birthday if it comes before the Super Bowl. So the question is, which of these players do you think will retired by the end of the 2017 season, when the oldest would be 40 years old. Choose as many options as you like.
I voted the top three. I don't see Brady going on forever nor do I see Brees doing it. Though Brees may play 3 more years and it wouldn't shock me. Palmer just doesnt have the staying power IMO. Though maybe he doesnt retire but becomes a backup?
From what we see of Palmer's personality, I don't think he'll ever backup. When he's not a starter, I think he's done. Especially with his injuries, that could be as soon as after this year, IMO.
I wanted to add that I did some quick research, and found that there have been only four seasons in NFL history where a QB started all 16 games at age 39 or older. Two by Brett Favre, one by Warren Moon, and one by Doug Flutie. Interestingly, it was the only time in Flutie's NFL career that he started all 16. The odds are that Brady misses a game sooner or later. Since coming back from his 2008 injury, he's started the most games and thrown the most passes of any QB in league history for their age 32-38 seasons, and been sacked 199 times in that span. The wear and tear has to eventually kick in.
