No Game for Old Men: Collins, Favre, and Warner Are All Better With Age

Kurt Warner: Not As Old As You Think

NFL players take a beating in their careers. Seeing players still on the field and contributing after a certain age always leaves people wondering how they do it.

But what NFL fans seem to forget is that Kurt Warner hasn't had the traditional football career. It hasn't been that long since Warner came from nowhere to lead the St. Louis Rams to the Super Bowl.

He's not the 37-year-old quarterback on the back end of a 15-year career where his body has been abused. He's taken hits, but not the same amount as quarterbacks even younger than he is.

In football years, Kurt Warner is only in his early 30's.

While most of the old men around him have played in the league since their early 20's, being chased down and smacked by monstrous barbarians, Warner has had the benefit of enduring less physical trauma.

There's a lot to be said about reaching a certain age and wondering how much more punishment the human body can reasonably absorb. Warner is ahead of the curve in this area.

While NFL fans figured his age had finally caught up to him after sustaining a nagging thumb injury, Warner remained in the NFL.

Finding new homes with teams that assumed he'd only be a stop-gap measure while their youth was nurtured made Warner a victim of age discrimination.

Warner has been victimized by the new guy for over five seasons. Organizations wanted to see their new investment on the field because smart money told them that Warner was getting too old to continue leading the team.

Arizona has been reaping the benefits of their arrogance. Allowing a great quarterback to do what he does has given the Cardinals a commanding lead in their division. It's allowed them to finally utilize the talent they've had for years to the fullest extent.

And it's all because of Warner and the leadership he brings to the game.

Better with age? Without a doubt, Kurt Warner is as ageless as anyone in the league. Barring any injuries, Warner could potentially play for another five seasons.

This isn't one last lap around the field for the veteran. He's not trying to go out with a bang. He's a man whose body doesn't realize it's age.

All he needs is an organization that will trust him to be the honest man that he is—when Warner realizes he's done, he will bow out gracefully. Until such a time, let him dazzle you every time he drops back.

Angel Navedo is the Head Writer at NYJetsFan.com, boasting Jet Fuel Radio, frequently updated news and opinions, and a premier fan community. He is also the Community Leader for the New York Jets on Bleacher Report.

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