A 47-Year-Old Pastor Makes Unlikely Return to College Football
September 19, 2026
For many, dreams of playing college football fade with time, but for Justin Buzzard, a 47-year-old pastor from California, an unexpected suggestion from his son reignited his passion for the sport.
Justin Buzzard (left) and his family / Facebook
Buzzard, now a defensive lineman at San Jose City College, had initially pursued his football dreams at Whitworth College in Washington. However, injuries prevented him from playing, leading him to set aside his sporting ambitions for nearly three decades.
Supporting his three sons in their athletic pursuits, Buzzard remained connected to the game, albeit from the sidelines. It was his eldest son, Cru, who planted the seed of returning to college football in his mind. “Maybe you should play college football,” Cru suggested.
Initially dismissing the idea as far-fetched, Buzzard admitted to The Mercury News, “I just thought that immediately sounded crazy.” Yet, the suggestion lingered, prompting him to reconsider the possibility. “I thought, ‘Maybe I should give this a shot,’” he reflected.
A New Beginning on the Field
Buzzard weighed his options and noted that the advantages far outweighed the potential setbacks, with injury being the sole concern. As a result, he decided to take the plunge and join San Jose City College’s football team.
His commitment equal to that of his younger teammates, Buzzard adhered to the same rigorous training regimen, even gaining 10 pounds of muscle. Head coach Jim Winkler confirmed Buzzard’s merit, stating, “He has the same requirements that every other player has, whether they’re half his age or not. And so far, he’s met all those requirements.”
Beyond physical prowess, Buzzard’s contributions as a team leader, particularly through prayer and encouragement, earned him respect among his peers. Teammate Preston Conrad acknowledged, “He definitely doesn’t take anything off. He definitely earned it.”
Making an Impact on Game Day
On August 29, Buzzard’s long-awaited opportunity arrived during a game against College of the Redwoods. With over five minutes remaining, he took to the field as a right defensive end. In a pivotal play, Buzzard pressured the opposing quarterback, creating an opening for linebacker Kyler Headley to achieve a sack.
Despite San Jose City College’s 41-21 defeat, Buzzard cherished his two snaps. “It felt great,” he expressed to the Bay Area News Group. “You prepare a lot in football to just play a little. So it was great to actually get a rep. It felt good. I’m hungry for more.”
Buzzard’s effort was recognized by both his teammates and the opposing team, who hailed him as “the man of the hour.”
Credit: Justin Buzzard / @grifflix_
The Journey Continues
Buzzard’s 48th birthday on September 14th coincided with his jersey number, adding a personal touch to his ongoing journey. Training alongside his sons, Hudson and Gus, Buzzard continues to pursue his passion, with support from his family.
His wife, Taylor, expressed her excitement for his future endeavors while hoping for his health and safety. “I love my husband and I’m excited for the future,” she said. “He is always thinking outside the box and blazing his own trail.”
As Buzzard looks ahead, he remains determined to make his mark in college football. “So far, so good,” he noted, implying that this chapter is only the beginning.
