PLAYING LONG AFTER OTHERS RETIRE THE NFL’S AGELESS VETERANS
Football is supposed to be a young man’s game. The average pro player only sticks around for three seasons, but many skilled veterans refuse to leave the field after over a decade of play. Today, a handful of players are getting attention for what they’ve done in their careers and because they’re still doing it. Aaron Rodgers tops the list. He just turned 42 in December and has been suiting up for the Steelers this season after an injury setback with the New York Jets last year. Rodgers has more than 59,000 passing yards behind him and doesn’t show much sign of slowing down. He may be twice as old as some of his teammates, but the four-time MVP is someone the Steelers roster leans on when things get tough. Marcedes Lewis, a current Chicago Bear, has another story worth telling. The 41-year-old was drafted in 2006 and has logged more seasons at tight end than any player in NFL history. Lewis will likely retire after this year, but with nearly two decades in the league, he’s already left his mark with almost 440 career receptions and an average of 12 yards per catch. Then there’s Washington Commander Josh Johnson. At 39, he’s worn more jerseys than most equipment managers. Johnson has been a depth
quarterback option for over a dozen NFL teams and has had stints in other leagues. Johnson’s path is unusual, but his adaptability has kept him employed.
Punter Thomas Morestead proves specialists can carve out legends, too. He’s been kicking around the league since 2009 and is now in his 17th season, currently with San Francisco. Even after so many years in the league, Morestead can still drop the ball inside the 20 with frustrating accuracy for returners. The biggest of the senior NFLers is Calais Campbell. The 6-foot-8 defensive lineman has collected over 100 sacks in his career and is still tearing up offenses at 39. Now in Arizona, where his career began in 2008, Campbell’s showing that power and know-how can keep a defensive lineman relevant long after most would have retired. Some rookies dream about making a roster, but these veterans still collect paychecks after years of punishment. In a league built on speed and turnover, they’re living proof that grit and determination can stretch careers far beyond the norm.
Tips for Outsmarting Identity Intruders CYBER CAUTION
Your laptop could have a dangerous afterlife. Most of us use laptops for everything from banking to shopping. The good news is that these items can store critical personal information to help make our lives more convenient … which is also the bad news. Before selling or getting rid of your personal computers, make sure you remove all personal information from them. If you’re unsure of how to get started, the Federal Trade Commission’s page at bit.ly/4i4tNnS is a fantastic resource. Fine print may be a red flag. You know all those pesky end-user licensing agreements you rush to sign without reading when you download (just two examples) new software or a video game? Well, you may want to read all those tiny words carefully next time, as they will likely include details on how the company uses … and perhaps even sells … your data. The few extra minutes it takes to review and understand your agreement may save you from receiving unwanted spam
In case no one’s told you lately, you’re perfect just the way you are. So perfect, in fact, that criminals may want to be you. Jan. 28 is Data Privacy Day. While it may not be the most glamorous holiday on the calendar, it’s among the most important. Here are a few often-overlooked ways to better protect yourself from identity theft and keep your most sensitive information safe and secure.
at best and having your information used for nefarious purposes at worst. Your ‘friends’ may be felons. Social media may be a great way to stay in touch with friends and family, but it’s also a surefire way to have your identity stolen in a flash. It’s advisable never to add a “friend” or follower you don’t know, and it’s also wise to make sure whomever you involve in your social media network is who they say they are. Unfortunately, photos and other information from legitimate users can be stolen and used by thieves to create clone accounts and swindle unsuspecting individuals. The next time you get a friend request from a stranger, or from someone who is already on your page, it’s best to ignore it or verify the sender’s identity … especially if they immediately start asking you for money or private information!
–Kevin Mottley
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