Don't let the Expiration Date Fool You

   Don't let the expiration date fool you. Have you ever heard that saying before? What do you think about when you hear the saying? A gallon of milk? Some eggs maybe sitting in the fridge too long? This lesson along with many other lessons have been passed down to me from people that taught me a lot, and I thank them for doing so.

   Don't let the expiration date fool you NFL. Too many times are people characterized in the NFL because of their age. Well he has done a good job for many years now, and someone young could come in now and do a better job. Yes maybe that's true in some cases, and maybe a lot of cases, but never in all cases. Lets look to see some of the players who didn't let the expiration date fool them.



   Brett Favre definitely did not let the expiration date fool him, that's for sure. He has played a very long time, and at a high level. Last year with the Vikings was one of his best. Throwing 32 touchdowns, and taking the Vikings to the NFC Championship. This would be the first guy that you would think of on this topic, and rightfully so. Favre can still compete at a high level, and for the Vikings, they must know that is the best option for them, is to have Favre in the pocket for them. They don't know who could do it better. With the Vikings off to a rough start, and the addition of Randy Moss, lets see if Favre is finally spoiled. I wouldn't put my money on it.

   Hines Ward is still playing like he is a young man. The clock keeps ticking for Hines Ward, and who knows when it will stop. Steelers fans hope it never does. They have a great reason to hope that. Ward has done a great job in Pittsburgh for 13 years. At the age of 34, Ward has put up great numbers, Hall of Fame numbers. Just look at last year stats, 95 catches for 1,167 receiving yards, and 6 touchdowns. Defiantly a pro bowl season, but Ward did not make the pro bowl. How about the 2008 season. Ward caught 81 passes for 1,043 yards, and 7 touchdowns. Since he has been 30 years old Hines has caught 259 receptions, for 4,052 receiving yards, and 27 touchdowns all counting this year so far. He hasn't let the expiration date scare him in any way. Lets keep it going.

   Of course you have to throw in Sugar Ray Lewis. He has had a monster career no doubt. Every single season he has been one of the best at line backer. What a player. He has a real love for the game you can tell. At 35 years old, who knows when Ray Lewis will retire? Should Ravens think that it has to be coming soon? Well by his stats, he is still a player. Last year he had 95 tackles, 134 combined tackles, and a sack. Maybe not his best year, but you know when Ray Lewis is on the field one way or another. He either makes a big play, or he is yelling on the other side of the ball. Since Ray has been 30 years old he has 370 tackles, 550 combined tackles, and 15.5 sacks. All counting this year so far. What a career so far, time is on his side.

   What about a guy that goes by the name of Thomas Jones. Everyone says once a running back hits 30 years old, he is done. Well I don't think that was the case with Thomas Jones. 32 years of age and he is still running hard. Last season with the Jets he had 331 attempts for 1,402 rushing yards, and 14 rushing touchdowns. Averaging 4.2 yards a carry. Since he has been 30 years old Jones has 673 attempts for 2,931 rushing yards, and 28 rushing touchdowns. Averaging over 4.2 yards a carry. Thomas Jones has had a great career, and now with the Chiefs will it slow down?

   Terrell Owens is defiantly a person that should be on this list. Has had a great career, even past his 30's. At the age of 36, Owens is still a starting wide receiver. Since the age of 30 Owens has 438 catches for 6,753 receiving yards, and 64 touchdowns. He has obviously had a fine career, and now helping the Bengals offense. Will T.O. continue with his great success?

   Well as you see, there are many of people who can be thrown into this category. Who else can be? Leave it in the comment box under this post. Now with all of this said, and all the facts are true. Let me just tell you........ Don't let the expiration date fool you.