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Daily Read: Football

47‑Year‑Old Pastor Plays College Football After 30‑Year Hiatus

Justin Buzzard, a 47‑year‑old pastor from San Jose, California, returned to the gridiron after a 30‑year break when his eldest son suggested he try again. He had originally dreamed of playing college football at Whitworth College in Washington, but injuries ended that path. After years of cheering from the sidelines, he signed with San Jose City College and trained like the rest of the team, gaining 10 pounds of muscle. Head coach Jim Winkler said Buzzard met all the same requirements as his teammates, regardless of age. On August 29, during a 41‑21 loss to the College of the Redwoods, Buzzard was called into action for two snaps, winning his matchup and helping create a sack. The moment was celebrated by teammates and opponents alike, who called him the “man of the hour.” He now trains with his sons and hopes to continue playing, celebrating his 48th birthday with a jersey number that matches his age. The story highlights a late‑career comeback fueled by family support and personal determination.

· Sunny Skyz

The essential points

  1. 01Justin Buzzard, 47, returned to college football after a 30‑year hiatus at San Jose City College
  2. 02He earned a spot on the team by meeting the same training and performance standards as younger players
  3. 03Buzzard played two snaps in a 41‑21 loss, winning his matchup and aiding a third‑down sack
  4. 04Family support and a renewed sense of purpose drive his ongoing training and future ambitions
The full brief

Justin Buzzard, a 47‑year‑old pastor from San Jose, California, returned to the gridiron after a 30‑year break when his eldest son suggested he try again. He had originally dreamed of playing college football at Whitworth College in Washington, but injuries ended that path. After years of cheering from the sidelines, he signed with San Jose City College and trained like the rest of the team, gaining 10 pounds of muscle.

Head coach Jim Winkler said Buzzard met all the same requirements as his teammates, regardless of age. On August 29, during a 41‑21 loss to the College of the Redwoods, Buzzard was called into action for two snaps, winning his matchup and helping create a sack. The moment was celebrated by teammates and opponents alike, who called him the “man of the hour.”

He now trains with his sons and hopes to continue playing, celebrating his 48th birthday with a jersey number that matches his age. The story highlights a late‑career comeback fueled by family support and personal determination.