Only 30 NFL Players Born in the 1980s Remain

NFL careers are often short due to injury risks and physical demands, but a small group of veterans, including Minnesota Vikings free safety Harrison Smith and quarterback Aaron Rodgers, have extended their tenures well beyond the league average. Smith credits his longevity to adapting his training with a focus on joint flexibility and functional range of motion instead of traditional strength-building. A recent Associated Press review reports that only 30 active NFL players were born in the 1980s, highlighting the rarity of such longevity. These veterans emphasize experience, wisdom, and careful body maintenance, continually adjusting their routines as they age. Longevity in the NFL now depends as much on intelligence and adaptation as it does on determination and talent. These older athletes prove that with the right approach, even a league dominated by younger players can accommodate veteran stars.