60-Year-Old Cancer Survivor Aims to Become Oldest College Football Player

Tom Green, a 60-year-old Carroll County man, is a freshman poly-sci major at McDaniel College and a walk-on to the school's Division III football team.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 8:55pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a football player in their 60s, their body fragmented into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes, competing on the field alongside younger teammates, capturing the contrast and energy of this inspiring story.A 60-year-old cancer survivor defies the odds to pursue his dream of playing college football, inspiring his younger teammates with his determination and energy.Baltimore Today

Tom Green, a 60-year-old cancer survivor from Carroll County, Maryland, is pursuing his dream of playing college football for the first time. Green joined the McDaniel College football team as a walk-on, and at 60 years old, he is working to become the oldest person to ever play college football in America.

Why it matters

Green's story is an inspiring example of perseverance and pursuing one's passions, even later in life. His journey to play college football at an age when most people are retired or winding down their careers highlights the power of determination and the importance of second chances.

The details

Green, who owns a wooden pallet company in Littlestown, Pennsylvania, never went to college as a young man. However, after beating stage-four kidney cancer in 2017, he decided to enroll at McDaniel College as a full-time student. Not only is he pursuing a degree, but he also joined the school's Division III football team as a walk-on, playing on the defensive line and competing with teammates who are less than half his age.

  • In 2015, Green was diagnosed with stage-four kidney cancer.
  • In 2017, Green beat his cancer diagnosis.
  • Last year, Green joined the McDaniel College football team as a walk-on.
  • Green will turn 61 years old in June, tying the record for the oldest person to play college football.

The players

Tom Green

A 60-year-old Carroll County resident, cancer survivor, and freshman poly-sci major at McDaniel College who is also a walk-on to the school's Division III football team.

Skyler Fultz

The head football coach at McDaniel College.

Quadeer Smith

A teammate of Tom Green on the McDaniel College football team.

Jordan Weeden

A teammate of Tom Green on the McDaniel College football team.

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What they’re saying

“Someone of that age who wants to get up on a cold morning like today and come out to practice. It shows a lot. Obviously, behind a little bit because he hasn't played football in so long. Having to go through that, that's the biggest difference.”

— Skyler Fultz, Head Football Coach, McDaniel College

“It's a great experience. I get to learn a lot from him since he's an older person. I feel like he brings a bunch of energy to the team, and that's what I love.”

— Quadeer Smith, Teammate, McDaniel College Football Team

“I had to get used to it. At first, it was kind of weird at first, but I got used to it because he teaches us lifelong lessons that we can use off the field.”

— Jordan Weeden, Teammate, McDaniel College Football Team

What’s next

Green will continue to practice and compete with the McDaniel College football team as he works to tie the record for the oldest person to play college football in America, which is currently held by a 61-year-old kicker.

The takeaway

Tom Green's inspiring story demonstrates the power of perseverance, determination, and pursuing one's passions, even later in life. His journey to play college football at age 60, after overcoming a cancer diagnosis, is a testament to the transformative impact of second chances and the importance of never giving up on your dreams.