Brandon Jacobs and 5 NFL Veterans Clearly Showing Their Age

Nothing in this world can stand up to the slow creep of time.  

In the NFL, every player and position have a different time horizon, but most players start to feel the effect of age on their game once they pass 30. For some, this will mean a precipitous decline, perhaps brought on by nagging injuries or slowing foot speed.

Others are able to hold out longer, making it into their mid or even upper 30s. Often these fortunate few are able to rely on their smarts and instincts to carry them when their bodies begin to falter.

Click through the slideshow for five stars of years' past who are clearly starting to show their age.

Brandon Jacobs

At the peak of his abilities, Brandon Jacobs presented a combination of size and speed that was nearly unprecedented in the NFL.  

At 29, Jacobs simply looks like a very mediocre running back. He's on pace this season for his worst average yards per carry at 3.1. He's still big, but the quick feet that made Jacobs a terror are long gone.

Thomas Jones

From 2005-2009, Thomas Jones was the ultimate workhorse. He strung together five consecutive seasons with 290-plus carries and 1,100 yards.  

Now 33, Jones has really fallen off the map, averaging less than four yards per carry each of his last two seasons in Kansas City. As it stands now, Jones will record the lowest yards per carry mark of his career.

Patrick Crayton

Thirty-two-year-old Patrick Crayton might as well have fallen off the face of the earth when he moved from Dallas to San Diego.

Once a solid No. 2 option at wide receiver, Crayton has 42 receptions total over his last two seasons in San Diego. His yards per catch number at 10.2 is also way down when compared to the rest of his career.

Adam Vinatieri

No kicker has made more big kicks in his career than Adam Vinatieri.  

However, the sun is setting for Mr. Clutch.  

Never known for a big leg, Vinatieri was relieved of the kickoff duties two seasons ago and did not pick them back up even when the kick was moved up five yards. He is only 13-of-16 this season, a far cry from some of his better years.

Hines Ward

At 35, Hines Ward is about ready to sail off into the sun. After seeing his production slip a bit last year, the nagging injuries have begun to mount for the Steelers' beloved wide receiver.  

For someone who played the game with such physicality and toughness, it's somewhat remarkable that Ward made it this long, but there is clearly not much left in the tank.