Justin Buzzard, believed to be college football’s oldest player, has returned to the field guided by a personal motto: “risk or rust.”
The 48-year-old California pastor recently made his college football debut for the San Jose City College Jaguars.
Buzzard had not played football in 30 years. His earlier career ended after one year as a redshirt at Whitworth University in Spokane, Washington, when injuries, including a torn finger tendon, derailed his plans, according to The Athletic.
His path back to the sport began after he watched a video about a 60-year-old cancer survivor attempting to play football at a Division III school. Buzzard shared the clip with his sons, and one replied that his father should try it himself.
That encouragement led Buzzard to contact coaches at San Jose City College and ask whether they needed another defensive player. He tried out, earned a roster spot and enrolled in a full 12-credit course load, as required, he told The Athletic.
Since joining the Jaguars and appearing in his first game, Buzzard’s return to the gridiron has drawn attention from NBC News, Fox News, ESPN and The Athletic.
Three decades away from the field did little to diminish his love for football, and Buzzard continues to embrace his “risk or rust” philosophy.
“If you’re not risking, you’re rusting,” Buzzard told The Athletic.
In addition to being the oldest active college football player, Buzzard is a husband and father of three. He said his wife was not surprised by his decision to return, though she initially hoped he would make the team without appearing in games. She has since come around and attended his first game.
Buzzard plays defensive end and wears No. 48, a nod to turning 48 on Sept. 14.
In an interview with ESPN after his first game, Buzzard explained why he decided to return to football: “Why? Well, because football is fun, and I missed it. I grew up playing football, and I hadn’t participated in 30 years. My oldest son suggested, ‘Dad, what if you went back and played college football?’ At first, it sounded ridiculous and crazy, but after about 30 seconds of thinking it over, I realized it would actually be a lot of fun.”
This season, he has appeared in three games. He deflected a pass in and made a tackle in his second game.
Buzzard is hoping to play in all ten games and inspire men his age or older to get in shape.