A California father of three is proving age might be just a number after all, making his college football debut at 48 years old.
Justin Buzzard, who also happens to wear a No. 48 jersey, is a freshman defensive end for the San Jose City College Jaguars.
“I feel good,” Buzzard told ABC News’ Danny New after his first game. “I mean, I'm sore all the time.”
“I haven't hit anyone in a football game in 30 years, so that felt good to do,” he added.
Buzzard previously registered to play football for Whitworth University in Washington 30 years ago, but was redshirted and sustained an injury before he could start playing.
Decades later, Buzzard’s son encouraged him to return to the field when he heard stories of other older men playing college sports in their later years.
“I came up with the pro-con list. The pro list was super long. The con list was, ‘What if I got hurt?’” Buzzard recalled of his decision-making process.
San Jose City College was also open to giving Buzzard a chance, so he said he immediately went to work, weightlifting and putting on 10 pounds of muscle.
“I'm just sprinting all the time, so my hamstrings are on fire,” Buzzard said now of his exercise routine.
Today, Buzzard said he and two of his sons, who play high school football, like to trade tips and techniques with each other.
Buzzard is also already making an impact three weeks into the season and recorded a pass breakup over the weekend.
Even though practice sessions have been harder than he initially anticipated, Buzzard said he has realized he can achieve what he puts his mind to.
“At the same time … I just realized I can do this,” he said.
