Here for a long time, and a good time
Quarterback Bryce Young, all of 24 years old, laughed Wednesday when asked if he’d consider playing until he was 44 years old, the way new Colts signing Philip Rivers is.
But for Panthers long snapper JJ Jansen, the senior member of the roster, Rivers is an inspiration not just for longevity, but for resilience in coming back after a five-year layoff. (Rivers last played in the 2020 playoffs, and has appeared in a mere 244 games compared to Jansen’s 273).
When asked “as a man approaching 40,” about playing until 44 like Rivers, Jansen protested briefly before proclaiming respect for the effort and the difference in their jobs.
“No, no, no, we’re wholly in our 30s,” he said.
(Jansen turns 40 on Jan. 20, 2026, which means he has about 40 more days to protest).
“I love it; I’ll tell you what I can’t imagine doing, which is taking five years off, then coming back,” Jansen said. “But, yeah. I think in certain positions, and mine’s certainly one of them, quarterback’s certainly one of them, the skill is of greater priority than just general athleticism, so you can get away with it in the pocket, you can get away with it snapping a ball, or maybe punting or kicking. You certainly see those guys from time to time hanging around. Nick Folk comes to mind. Matt Prater comes to mind, at least on the kicking side.
“So, I can’t imagine taking five years off. That would certainly be something kind of beyond my comprehension.”
To put what Rivers is doing in context, if he came here, his head coach would be seven months older than him, and he’d have more experience than 43-year-old quarterbacks coach Will Harriger and 34-year-old offensive coordinator Brad Idzik, not to mention the entire roster — including Jansen.