Justin Buzzard, a 47-year-old California pastor, is making a comeback to the college football field, set to join the San Jose City College Jaguars as a defensive end. This isn’t just a casual return; it’s happening nearly 30 years after he last played in a college game, a move that is grabbing attention across the sport.
No Mercy on the Field
Buzzard isn’t looking for special treatment just because of his age. He told Fox & Friends First co-host Todd Piro that he’s ready to bring the heat. “No one’s going easy on me… and I’m not going easy on them,” Buzzard said. “I’m giving them everything I’ve got, too.” That’s the kind of grit you love to see, especially from someone stepping back into the brutal world of college football after such a long break. He’s not just showing up, he’s showing up to compete.
Locker Room Welcome and Season Goal
One of Buzzard’s initial concerns was how his younger teammates would react to having a 47-year-old on the squad. He admitted, “I was really wondering, ‘How are they going to handle… a 47-year-old guy showing up?’ Are they going to receive me? Are they going to accept me? Will they try to go easy on me? Will they try to attack me?” The good news is, his teammates have been “incredible,” welcoming him with open arms. His big goal for this unexpected return? Buzzard wants to “go the distance” and make it through the entire season.
The Jaguars are kicking off their 2026 season on Saturday, facing off against College of the Redwoods. All eyes will be on Buzzard to see how this incredible comeback story unfolds on the field.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleacher Report.
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