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
Meet South Carolina State Univesity running back Joe Thomas Sr.
That play might not have looked remarkable. But Thomas is a little older than the average college football star. He's 55.
Thomas Sr., the father of Green Bay Packers linebacker Joe Thomas Jr., practiced with SCSCU with his son and stuck around, hoping to play, USA Today reports. On Saturday, during Senior Day against Savannah State, his dream came true - and SCSU went on to win, 32-0.
The next-oldest known Division I player was South Carolina receiver Tim Frisby, 39, Mental Floss reports.
Never too late! Dreams come true at SC State! #GoBulldogs #WeAreSCState #FearTheBite https://t.co/PaflLH807p
— SC State Bulldogs (@SCStateAthletic) November 20, 2016
The school proudly touted the record-breaker on Twitter.
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
"Age is just a number," indeed.
Joe Thomas Sr. took South Carolina State's "Senior Day" to a new level.
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) November 19, 2016
The 55-year-old finally saw game action & rushed for 3 yards. pic.twitter.com/RJnkyjJyKV
That's one way to think of "Senior Day."