Justin Buzzard, a 48-year-old father, pastor, and college football player, is making headlines as the oldest active player in U.S. college football. Buzzard, who turned 48 on September 14, is currently a defensive end for the San Jose City College Jaguars in California, marking a return to the sport after a 30-year hiatus.

Buzzard’s journey back to the gridiron began this summer when he reached out to San Jose City College’s football coaches to see if he could join the team, despite not having played since his single redshirt season as a defensive end at Whitworth University in the early 1990s. His football career was previously cut short by injuries, leading him to pursue seminary school and eventually become the founding pastor of Garden City Church, a nondenominational congregation in San Jose’s downtown area.

Driving his decision was an ethos he lives by: “risk or rust.” Inspired by the story of Tom Green, a 60-year-old cancer survivor who attempted to join a Division III college football team, Buzzard viewed the challenge as a way to embrace new territory rather than stay confined to comfort zones. His three sons encouraged him, with his eldest son urging him to take the leap, igniting a renewed passion for the sport.

Buzzard’s return required significant physical preparation, including gaining weight and intensive workouts, all balanced alongside his pastoral duties and raising three boys. At 6-foot-3 and 205 pounds, Buzzard worked to maintain his fitness through running bleachers and garage workouts. He also enrolled as a full-time student, carrying a 12-credit course load to meet team eligibility requirements.

San Jose City College football coach Jim Winkler confirmed that Buzzard receives no special treatment and competes alongside teammates half his age under the same standards. During the season opener against College of the Redwoods on August 29, Buzzard recorded live snaps as a right defensive end, contributing to defensive pressure that led to the opposing quarterback being tackled behind the line of scrimmage.

Buzzard said the experience of playing again has brought an outpouring of support from fans and fellow athletes alike, many of whom applaud his determination to challenge norms around age and athleticism. One opposing player reportedly remarked after the game that his own father could not match Buzzard’s effort on the field.

Buzzard sees his story as a broader message about embracing challenges and overcoming fear of rejection. “If you’re not risking, you’re rusting,” he said, emphasizing that taking risks is essential to truly living and making an impact. This mindset underpins his approach both on and off the field as he continues managing his roles as pastor, parent, student, and athlete.