Imagine a showdown where the heroes aren't fresh-faced rookies but grizzled veterans who've defied the odds—two quarterbacks pushing 40, still dominating the gridiron like time hasn't touched them. But here's where it gets controversial: In the NFL, turning 40 can feel like hitting a wall, yet these guys are sprinting right past it, proving age might just be a number when passion fuels the game. And this is the part most people miss—it's not just about physical feats; it's about the wisdom and experience these 'old guys' bring to the field, potentially rewriting what we think we know about longevity in professional sports.
In everyday life, hitting 40 or 41 is hardly considered 'ancient'—many of us are just hitting our stride in careers, families, or hobbies. But in the high-stakes world of the NFL, where bodies are pushed to their limits every play, that same age bracket can feel downright prehistoric. Thursday night's clash between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals (check out the live details at https://www.nfl.com/games/steelers-at-bengals-2025-reg-7) promises to highlight this stark reality, as Aaron Rodgers (learn more at https://www.nfl.com/players/aaron-rodgers/) and Joe Flacco (explore his profile at https://www.nfl.com/players/joe-flacco/) step onto the turf.
Rodgers, the 41-year-old maestro for the Steelers, shared his enthusiasm in a chat on Tuesday, as reported by Steelers.com’s Jim Wexell (read the full story at https://www.steelers.com/news/rodgers-flacco-bring-wisdom-and-live-arms-into-historic-matchup). 'I think it's great for all the old guys,' he remarked. 'I know that when I watch other sports, maybe it's because I'm the older guy, but I tend to pull for the older guys to win championships.' It's a sentiment that resonates, especially for fans who appreciate the grit of seasoned players over flashy newcomers.
Rodgers and Flacco aren't just any veterans—they're Super Bowl champions. Rodgers clinched his trophy with the Green Bay Packers, while Flacco did the same with the Baltimore Ravens. During the same Tuesday media session, Rodgers got some playful ribbing from his teammate Cameron Heyward (discover more at https://www.nfl.com/players/cameron-heyward/), who's a youthful 36 and dubbed the matchup the 'Icy Hot Bowl' (see the tweet at https://x.com/bepryor/status/1978178773569704063). This nickname playfully captures the idea of older players needing pain-relieving cream for their aching joints, especially on a compressed 'short week' schedule where recovery time is minimal.
Collectively, these two bring an impressive haul to the AFC North showdown: a combined total of 82 years and 226 days in age, 39 seasons of NFL know-how, 774 touchdown passes, and over 102,000 yards through the air. When they take the field, it'll mark just the second prime-time encounter of quarterbacks who've hit the 40-and-still-performing milestone, and the fourth such clash overall since 1950, according to NFL Research. The earlier ones all starred future Hall of Famers Tom Brady and Drew Brees, each unfolding during the 2020 season, including postseason action.
Rodgers is steering a top-tier Steelers squad that's riding high at 4-1 after a trio of consecutive victories, while Flacco has been summoned to revive a struggling Bengals team that's endured four straight losses, dropping their record to 2-4. 'It's great,' Rodgers noted, reflecting on his own performance where he's connected on 68.8% of his 138 attempts for 1,021 yards, 10 scores, and just three picks. 'I've known Joe for a long time. He's been great coming to my charity event. He's been a great ambassador for the league. He's had a great career. And it's fun that we're both still playing.'
This will be Rodgers' third team in his career, whereas Flacco is on his seventh. The pair has squared off three times before, with Rodgers, then with the Packers, emerging victorious each time. Flacco faced him twice as a Raven and once as a Bronco. Flacco's journey has taken him from the Ravens (where he spent 11 seasons) through stints with the Broncos, Jets (twice), Philadelphia Eagles, Cleveland Browns (twice), and Indianapolis Colts, before landing with the Bengals in a surprising swap (get the trade details at https://www.nfl.com/news/joe-flacco-bengals-browns-trade) from the rival Browns.
That trade drew some subtle criticism from Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin, the NFL's longest-serving coach, earlier this week (hear what he said at https://www.nfl.com/news/mike-tomlin-criticizes-andrew-berry-joe-flacco-trade-steelers-bengals). But Flacco brushed it aside during a media interview on Monday, ahead of his second start this season against Pittsburgh with his new squad, as covered by Cincinnati.com’s Dave Clark (full article at https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/nfl/bengals/2025/10/14/joe-flacco-addresses-mike-tomlin-browns-bengals-trade-remarks-steelers-thursday-night-football/86692632007/). 'I heard he was talking about it a little bit, the fact that I'm on the Bengals,' Flacco said. 'I don't know. I didn't see it. I didn't get to see how upset he was. But I think he's probably just playing the game a little bit, and doing whatever he has to do.'
Flacco, familiar with Tomlin after his time in Baltimore, Cleveland, and now Cincinnati, praised the Steelers' enduring success. 'Look how consistent they've been over the last 20 years,' he observed. 'I mean how long has he been there now? Twenty years or more? They're always physical. I think they found out who they wanted to be as a team early on and they've continued to build their teams based off of that. And that's why they always have a chance.'
Rodgers, selected in the 2005 first round, holds Flacco—a 2008 first-round pick—in high regard. Despite their years on the field, both still boast powerful throwing arms. 'I've just always enjoyed watching him throw the ball,' Rodgers shared about Flacco. 'He's got one of the prettiest balls. Tight spiral. Deep ball thrower. He is one of the old school, 2000s, '90s prototypical quarterbacks.'
Rodgers contrasted this with the evolution of the position: 'When I was coming in the game, it was the big guys who had the big arms. Now you're seeing some really athletic guys playing the position. I think he would probably agree with me. Sometimes when you watch how the guys play, you feel like they're playing a different position because of the kind of athleticism and the way the game is called. There's more read-option called. You're seeing more of the college game in the NFL. But I've always enjoyed watching Joe play. I have a lot of respect for him and his game.'
While it's unlikely we'll see Rodgers or Flacco scrambling wildly on Thursday, their ability to launch the ball remains sharp. They'll aim to showcase that prowess, pushing back against the relentless march of time and clinging to those triumphant moments that defined their careers. It's a reminder that in sports, as in life, experience can be a weapon, not a weakness.
But is this celebration of older QBs just nostalgia, or does it challenge how we view peak performance in the NFL? Some might argue that relying on veterans slows team innovation, while others see it as a testament to coaching and training that keeps legends in the game. What do you think—should leagues prioritize youth, or is there room for the seasoned pros? Does the shade from coaches like Tomlin on trades reflect genuine concern or just gamesmanship? Share your thoughts in the comments; I'd love to hear if you side with the 'old guys' or root for the next generation!
