There are few positions in the NFL that allow players to defy father time and play at an older age, but quarterback is at the top of the short list.

Of course, today's broadcaster Tom Brady, who played – and won – with the Buccaneers into his 40s, is the most famous example of elite quarterback play at an advanced age. However, the NFL still has a number of experienced veterans throwing the ball at a high level.

Joe Flacco, recently named the Colts' new starting quarterback over 22-year-old Anthony Richardson, is one of those veterans.

How old is Flacco? As the quarterback approaches his Week 9 matchup on “Sunday Night Football,” here's what you should know about his age and how he compares to the league's oldest active players.

MORE: Why did the Colts bench Anthony Richardson for Joe Flacco?

How old is Joe Flacco?

Flacco is 39 years old. He won't turn 40 until January 16, 2025, when the NFL is already in the middle of the playoffs.

After playing college football for the Pittsburgh Panthers and the Delaware Fightin' Blue Hens, Flacco was drafted 18th overall by Baltimore in 2008. Since then, he has had an outstanding career with his efficient quarterback play.

Flacco spent 11 seasons with the Ravens, leading the franchise to the Super Bowl championship in 2013 with a 34-31 victory over the 49ers. On eight different occasions, Flacco threw for at least 3,000 yards in a Ravens uniform.

Since leaving Baltimore after the 2018 season as the team transitioned into the Lamar Jackson era at quarterback, Flacco has been something of a journeyman. He often switched between starting and backup roles, spending one season with the Broncos, three with the Jets, one with the Browns and now plays in Indianapolis.

After becoming Cleveland's starter midway through the 2023 season, Flacco led the team to the playoffs and later earned the NFL's Comeback Player of the Year award for his efforts.

Even at 39 years old, Flacco remains one of the most productive passers in the league. He filled in several times this season for Richardson, who has shown impressive talent in his first two seasons in the league but has struggled with injuries. However, the Colts announced before Week 9 that Flacco would assume the role of the team's starting quarterback moving forward, giving the veteran another chance to lead a team to the playoffs.

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Oldest NFL players in 2024

Flacco is the sixth-oldest active player in the NFL. He is the second oldest quarterback in the league, trailing only Aaron Rodgers of the Jets.

Although OT Jason Peters is currently on the Seahawks' practice squad, he is considered the oldest player in the league.

MORE: Why Aaron Rodgers drinks cayenne pepper water to treat his injuries

Joe Flacco career statistics

Flacco, a 17-year veteran, has scored 252 passing touchdowns in his career. Here's a look at his career numbers: