It's official. The oldest active player in the NFL is Tom Brady.
The New England Patriots quarterback, 42, officially took over the title from Indianapolis Colt kicker Adam Vinatieri. The former Patriot, 46, was placed on IR by the Colts on Monday after having surgery to repair a knee injury that had plagued him this season.
With Vinatieri on IR and his career possibly over, Brady could hold the mantle as the NFL's oldest players for the next few seasons. Of course, that would depend on his health and when he decides to retire, but the title should continue to be his to keep.
The only realistic threats to Brady's status as the NFL's oldest would be a comeback by Vinatieri or one by Matt Bryant, a 44-year-old kicker who started the season with the Atlanta Falcons before being cut. Neither seems very likely given the struggles the two veterans have endured this year.
Vinatieri made only 68 percent of his field goals and 78.6 percent of his extra points (both career lows) while Bryant made just 64.3 percent of his field goals.
The title of oldest active player may not mean a whole lot, but consider it a feather in the cap for Brady. He will certainly be proud of it as well, as this title aligns with his health and athletics company, TB12.
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The next oldest active player in the league is Drew Brees. He will turn 41 in January.
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