55-Year-Old Becomes Oldest To Play Division I College Football Game
ORANGEBURG, S.C. (CBS) — You're only as old as you feel. On Saturday, the feeling couldn't have been more special for South Carolina State running back Joe Thomas Sr.
At 55 years old, Thomas got the chance to live a dream, a few decades later than most, when his number was called during the Bulldogs' game against Savannah State.
With 4:34 remaining in the first quarter, Thomas took a handoff and gained three yards. At that moment, he is believed to have become the oldest player to ever appear in a Division I college football game.
Thomas enrolled at SC State at age 51 with his son, Joe Thomas Jr. — now a Green Bay Packer — and practiced as a scout player.
His story was first featured by Sports Illustrated and then CBS Sports.
Thomas wasn't able to hear until he was 17 years old because of years of buildup. He endured numerous hardships throughout his life. Football became his outlet.
READ: Cole Hamels Donates $95,000 To Philly High School
He decided to attend South Carolina State four years ago to pursue a degree with hopes he'd find steady work. He joined his son on the football team, but in 2013, a car crash caused by a drunk driver kept the two from ever having a chance to play together. The older Thomas suffered torn ligaments in his knee in the accident. That same year, he had to file for bankruptcy.
His son graduated a year later and landed on the Packers' practice squad and eventually their 53-man roster. Meantime, Thomas Sr. needed surgery on his leg, but he persevered, stayed on the team and kept practicing, but hadn't seen any playing time.
But then came Senior Day, one final chance for seniors to take the field and play college football -- or in the case of Thomas -- the first.
His opportunity came later than anyone else -- ever.
But as the old saying goes -- better late than never.
Final: SC State 32, Savannah State 0.
