Drew Brees, quarterback of the New Orleans Saints, recently said that he would like to continue playing well into his 40’s.
image via INFphoto.com
When talking to reporters about the comment, he said "I'm not getting ahead myself, like it's a pipe dream, at 45. I understand the challenges that come along with that. But why not? If I can stay healthy, and I'm having fun and playing at a high level, why wouldn't I wanna do that? The biggest challenge is physically, the maintenance, the recovery, the way you train. You gotta hope that you stay healthy, but why not?" via NFL.com
While quarterbacks typically don’t take many hits compared to a running back or lineman, it the game will still take a toll on a player’s body. With that said, there have been a number of players that continued to play in their 40’s. So, the following is the top ten quarterbacks to play in the NFL past their 40th birthday.
[new page = 10. Vince Evans, 40]
Over the course of his career he played 16 seasons between six different teams. He has thrown a cumulative 52 touchdowns, 74 interceptions, for 9,485 yards and a 63.0 QB rating.
[new page = 9. Earl Morrall, 42]
Over the course of his career he played 21 seasons between six different teams. He has thrown a cumulative 161 touchdowns, 148 interceptions, for 20,809 yards and a 74.1 QB rating.
[new page = 8. Brad Johnson, 40]
Over the course of his career he played 17 seasons between six different teams. He has thrown a cumulative 166 touchdowns, 122 interceptions, for 29,054 yards and an 82.5 QB rating.
[new page = 7. Joe Ferguson, 40]
Over the course of his career he played 18 seasons between six different teams. He has thrown a cumulative 196 touchdowns, 209 interceptions, for 29,817 yards and a 68.4 QB rating.
[new page = 6. Steve DeBerg, 44]
Over the course of his career he played 18 seasons between six different teams. He has thrown a cumulative 196 touchdowns, 204 interceptions, for 34,241 yards and a 74.2 QB rating.
[new page = 5. Dave Krieg, 40]
Over the course of his career he played 19 seasons between six different teams. He has thrown a cumulative 261 touchdowns, 199 interceptions, for 38,147 yards and an 81.5 QB rating.
[new page = 4. Mark Brunell, 41]
Over the course of his career he played 19 seasons between six different teams. He has thrown a cumulative 184 touchdowns, 108 interceptions, for 32,072 yards and an 84.0 QB rating.
[new page = 3. Warren Moon, 44]
Over the course of his career he played 17 seasons between six different teams. He has thrown a cumulative 291 touchdowns, 233 interceptions, for 49,325 yards and an 80.9 QB rating. He was also inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame in 2006.
[new page = 2. Vinny Testaverde, 44]
Over the course of his career he played 21 seasons between six different teams. He has thrown a cumulative 275 touchdowns, 267 interceptions, for 46,233 yards and a 75.0 QB rating.
[new page = 1. Brett Favre, 41]
Over the course of his career he played 20 seasons between six different teams. He has thrown a cumulative 508 touchdowns, 336 interceptions, for 71,838 yards and an 86.0 QB rating.