59 year old man to play college football!
By estherlou
@estherlou (5015)
United States
August 23, 2007 9:15am CST
This is so cool! I heard a blurb on the radio and had to look it up. "Michael Flynt, who last played college ball in 1970, is currently attending training camp at Sul Ross University in Alpine, Texas, along with about 100 other players -- most of whom are younger than Flint's own three children." The last time he played ball was in 1970 but was kicked off the team for fighting. He's always dreamed of playing and someone told him to see if he was still eligible. He has one more year of eligibility so he's giving it a go. The radio blurb said he had stayed in shape over the years. Can you imagine going back at age 59 and playing college football? Ouch!
4 people like this
16 responses
@revdauphinee (5703)
• United States
23 Aug 07
good for him iI think he is setting a great example for others in doing this why should age stop anyone from following a dream?
2 people like this
@whiteheather39 (24403)
• United States
23 Aug 07
I think that is great. It shows that you are never too old and if you put your mind to it almost anything can be be achieved.
2 people like this
@creematee (2810)
• United States
28 Aug 07
why not? If he still feels young enough to play, why not go for it! I think Disney has made some movies with this subject. One stars Kurt Russell. It's a fairly new movie, but for the life of me, I can't remember it. (sigh!)
Oh well. I hope I have that much energy when I'm 59! (I don't think I could do it now, and I'm 36!! LOL!)
1 person likes this
@estherlou (5015)
• United States
29 Aug 07
The Rookie, came out in 2002, stars Dennis Quaid and is based on a real person. He was older, married with kids, and was encouraged by his high school baseball team to try out again. It is a wonderful story.
@creematee (2810)
• United States
30 Aug 07
"Invincible" is the name of the movie I was thinking about. It was kurt russell, either... It's Mark WAlburg (Marky Mark--rap singer!) LOL! GREAT movie, if you get a chance to watch it. Here's a link to it...
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0445990/
I saw this 59 year old on TV this morning. He sure doesn't look like he's 59! I wish him all the best of luck!
@mamasan34 (6518)
• United States
24 Aug 07
I think it is very inspiring! More power to him if he has the ability and health to do this. This is his dream and I am so glad to see him go for it. Kind of like the Rocky Balboa movie.
1 person likes this
@SquiggilyPop123 (31)
•
24 Aug 07
God. He must be fit. Just goes to show that old people can still do stuff!!! Even if the stuff they are doing is a bit crazy!!!
1 person likes this
@Fishmomma (11377)
• United States
23 Aug 07
I think its great news. People shouldn't be limited when reaching a certain age and hope he has fun playing on the team. What position will he be playing?
@suspenseful (40192)
• Canada
23 Aug 07
Not being a man, I could not. He must be one of those muscular Arnold types, the kind you see in those action adventure movies, lifting weights and doing karate and kung fu before someone drops in and tells him that some American civilians have been kidnapped by terrorists and they need you to rescue them. Well at least he was not kicked off the team because he was a weakling, so I gather that now he can concentrate on the game. But to keep in shape for thirty or so years, that is amazing.
1 person likes this
@AmbiePam (93742)
• United States
23 Aug 07
I thought this was this coolest thing when I read it. They went into great detail on www.espn.com. I mean, that is incredible! Some might say that the division he's playing in isn't tough. But I say, what the heck? This man is AARP eligible, playing with guys that could be his grandchildren! That is incredible. I know he really kept fit, which is inspiration for me to do the same.
1 person likes this
@pismeof (855)
• United States
23 Aug 07
If this isn't some sort of a gag;Michael Flynt is out of his mind
for even thinking that he stands a chance of playing football...Most professionals don't last past the age of 35.For one thing what coach is even going to take the guy seriously?
There is no way the old man is going to be able to keep up with the twenty somethings and not get hurt no matter what shape he may be in.
We lose the ability to produce testosterone and maintain bone density. Flexability are lost as we age no matter what shape he thinks he may be in.
1 person likes this
@KATRINKA (1624)
• United States
30 Aug 07
Interesting story. I'm dying to hear how it turns out. Will he actually get to suit up and play? I'd love to interview him and his kids to hear what they think. I hope he has learned to keep his temper under control, so he doesn't get kicked off again for fighting. If you hear any more on this story, please give an update!
@estherlou (5015)
• United States
30 Aug 07
I had to do a search in the news section of Klove.com which is where I heard it. Here's a link to the original article. Don't know if we'll get an update or not.
http://www.upi.com/NewsTrack/Quirks/2007/08/21/59yearold_returns_to_college_football/5690/
@eachen2002 (889)
• United States
24 Aug 07
I think it's great.My dad is 68 and keeps up with the young pups all the time.He stays in shape and has a really positive attitude so it keeps him healthy and strong and very motitivated.
1 person likes this
@ranitam22 (1146)
• United States
24 Aug 07
I guess if he loves the games that is a really neat life experience to get to do something that you've been dreaming of doing. I just wonder if the other players will try to take it easy on him because I would feel bad if i hurt somebody older than me. But you never know he could be tougher than everyone.
1 person likes this
@kamaal_ahmed2006 (18)
• India
13 Feb 08
i read ur discussion & it really very nice to get such information.
@teapotmommommerced (10359)
• United States
28 Aug 07
What a brave man. He is my hero. I think that is great for him to do that. I am assuming that he is going to the Universary of Alpine TX. I hope he does good. It reminds me of the story Rooty.
