Green Bay Packers

Joe Thomas Sr., 55, becomes the oldest man to ever play Division 1 college football

Published Dec. 9, 2016 12:50 p.m. ET

Dieter Kurtenbach

Joe Thomas Sr. just wanted a carry.

He wanted to make history.

He got what he wanted Saturday, when the 55-year-old is believed to have become the oldest man to ever play in a Division 1 football game.

Thomas, who is the father of the Green Bay Packers' linebacker, went in at running back for South Carolina State in the Bulldogs' Senior Day game (that took on a different meaning...) against Savanna State Saturday and carried the ball for three yards in the first quarter.

It was his first collegiate action.

Thomas Sr., a standout defensive end and running back in high school enrolled at South Carolina State when his son did, with the hopes that he would be able to play with Thomas Jr. That never happened, but he remained on the team after Thomas Jr. moved to the NFL.

Thomas told his story to David Gardner in a story published earlier this week.

Breaking: 55-year-old Joe Thomas Sr becomes oldest DI football player after rushing for 3 yds for @SCStateAthletic. @wachfox pic.twitter.com/eyoSMpZDBK
— Mike Uva (@Mike_Uva) November 19, 2016

Joe Thomas Sr., 55, sees action at RB for S.C. State vs. Savannah St. (Bulldogs up 6-0 1Q) 3-yard gain! @postandcourier
— Gene Sapakoff (@Sapakoff) November 19, 2016