ShareThisIn 1976, George Blanda played in last his NFL game at 48 years old.
Now fast-forward to 2011, when Herschel Walker apparently wants to play in his first game in 13 years.
But the question isn't, "Can Herschel Walker play competitively in the NFL at age 48?"
Of course he can.
His foray into Mixed Martial Arts certainly validates both his toughness and athletic fitness and, if the rumors of a sub-4.4 40-yard dash are in the ballpark, he's got the tools necessary to make a contribution.
The real question is, "Will he play in the NFL?"
Probably not.
It's pure age discrimination, but why would any team -- with an ocean of 22-year-olds aching for their first chance to play to choose from -- save a roster spot for someone twice their age who's already had his run?
Besides, even if Walker, who won the Heisman Trophy way at Georgia way back in 1982, has found Ponce De Leon's fabled fountain of youth, the body just doesn't heal the way it used to when you cross the border into your 40s and would soon be a factor.
Although 1997 (Walker's last season in the NFL) might seem like yesterday to us 40-somethings, it was 13 years ago. All you need to do is watch some film from a game back then and compare it to now.
The first thing that jumps out at you is that the speed and sheer violence of the game have jumped up several notches and made it clear that Walker's comeback probably would be a brief one.
Besides, it could all be a publicity stunt anyway.
Hey, it stuck out enough that I just dedicated a little more than 300 words on the topic, as have many others since they heard about Walker's hopes.
That's enough to make someone -- or several someones -- watch his next MMA fight just to see if it looks like he's up to the challenge. And some will keep watching just to see what happens.
Mission accomplished.
But, if nothing else, Walker's story is inspiring.
Think I'll shut this computer down and get to the gym.
(Contact Stephen C. Smith Sr. of the Times Herald-News in Wichita Falls, Texas at stephencsmith1(at)yahoo.com or at www.facebook.com/stephencsmith1)
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