RANGEBURG, S.C. – If you hear about a player shattering his hip in a college football game in the upcoming weeks, it may be this man.
Joe Thomas Sr., is a student at South Carolina State who happens to play on the football team. He also happens to be old enough to be the grandfather or some of his teammates. Thomas Sr. is attempting to become the oldest man to ever play college football this upcoming week.
According to Campus Rush, Thomas didn’t see a carry in this week’s practice, but is still optimistic he’ll see the field during South Carolina State’s final game.
“I believe that if the coaches looked past my age and just let me play football, I’d steal someone’s position,” Thomas said.
Thomas hoped for an even better story, one that would include him not only playing college football at the age of 53, but to play alongside his son on the same team.
That son, Joe Thomas Jr., made the leap to the NFL two years ago.
“At first, I thought it would be really weird,” Joe Jr. said. “When my teammates found out, they’d say things like, ‘Your dad is coming for your spot.’ But he’s a grown man, and I wasn’t going to get in the way of his dreams. I’m happy for him now.”
Thomas was clearly in peak shape during his younger year,s but there’s no telling how he’ll hold up in live action vs a bunch of 20 somethings.
Thomas is awaiting an NCAA waiver to clear him academically and permit him to dress during South Carolina State’s home games.
