Justin Buzzard, a 47-year-old pastor from South Bay, California, has joined the San Jose City College Jaguars football team as a defensive end, nearly three decades after his college playing career was cut short by injuries.
Buzzard, who is a pastor at Garden City Church, decided to try out for the team after seeing a social media reel of a man in his sixties playing football. He had played football throughout high school and his freshman year of college before his career was derailed.
"It stirred up in me this thought of, maybe I should give it a shot," Buzzard told NBC Bay Area about reviving his football aspirations. He contacted a coach at San Jose City College, who agreed to meet with him. Buzzard is now practicing as a defensive end, the same position he played in college, and has been assigned a locker and equipment.
Jim Winkler, head coach for the Jaguars, said he gave Buzzard an opportunity as long as he could adhere to the team's standards and rules. Winkler sees Buzzard's return as a positive, noting that Buzzard can now share his experience with younger players about not having regrets.
Despite his age, Buzzard stated that his body is holding up better than he anticipated. "Football, that's the risk, is you get bruised, you get hurt, but I'm doing pretty well," he said. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity and enjoys the camaraderie with his teammates, who have nicknamed him "OG."
Buzzard's first game is scheduled for August 29 at San Jose City College.