46 Year Old John Carney Back In NFL

Added on Sep 29, 2010 by Jason Kearney in

NFL

Placekicker John Carney was added to the New Orleans Saints’ active roster yesterday, and at age 46 becomes the oldest player in the NFL. The Saints are looking to add some stability to their kicking game after current kicker Garret Hartley missed a 29 yard field goal in overtime against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday. The Saints also approached Matt Stover and Kris Brown but Carney was their first choice due to his relationship with the team.

The Saints carried two kickers on their roster last year, and Carney and Hartley will reprise that arrangement this season. Hartley is only 4 of 7 on field goals this season but is still considered the team’s long term option at the position and is valued for his strong leg. Carney will serve as a de facto coach/mentor to the younger kicker and help him work through his slump. The 24 year old Hartley was 2 years old when Carney made his first NFL field goal in 1988. If Carney gets into a game this season he’ll become only the third player to play in the league past the age of 45 joining Morton Andersen and George Blanda.

New Orleans will release third year wide receiver Adrian Arrington to make a roster spot for Carney.