What’s the big age difference snd why is one sport less likely to feature older?

[Anonymous]

So I was just thinking in the nba when you get into your 30s you’re seen as older and you may not be a focal point on a team they could be a complimentary piece or role player. Now with the nfl that’s a full physical contact sport you have guys that age and above

[Oliverlogan263]

Yeah man, the age thing is totally different between the NBA and NFL. A few reasons:

- In basketball, once you hit 30 your athleticism starts declining. Jumping ability, quickness all take a hit as you get older. Really hard to be a star.

- But in football, experience and smarts can mean more. Knowing coverages, having strength to take hits. Older vets can still ball.

- In the NBA the game is more up and down, lots of running. Basketball shape isn't something you can maintain as easy once you pass your prime.

- NFL you can play your position to your strengths more. QBs, linemen don't have to be freak athletes to succeed older.

- Injuries are tougher to come back from in basketball longterm. One knee blowout can end your career. Guys watch that more as they get up there.

- Football you can find roles like kick coverage that don't require as much physical effort every play when you're older.

So yeah, age wall hits NBA dudes harder just because of the athletic demands. NFL vets got more ways to contribute later in their careers if they want. Good point dude!

[Jdodkfndosn]

The age at which you at your peak is likely around 24-26 when considering speed, agility, strength, hand eye coordinatiom, etc.

But we don't really even have to be into this aspect to answer the NBA part...

Let's say you have 1 superstar, 1 star, 6 average, and 4 3 non dressing below average/fresh guys.

Well generally the older guys are going to get paid a larger salary for being average than a fresh average player. And your stars, you hope to get at least 2 big contracts out of, so they'll on average be older too. There's only so much money you can spend with the cap, so you need to fill the rest out with fresh, hopefully good picks that you can pay much less.


NFL - the majority of the young guys and newly drafted don't even make the team so your players you had before, continue on. And a lot of the positions do not require the same shared skillset as basketball players. Those drafted still have some years to pack on muscle, and most importantly, knowledge of the game as football is far more complex.

[zagor]

Actually if you look here:

https://bookies.com/nfl/picks/nfl-teams-average-age

and here:

https://www.sportingnews.com/in/basketball/news/looking-at-the-age-profile-for-each-team-entering-the-2021-22-nba-season/9d91f38m0kmd1ksq6dgfi6k8u

you will see that there are 8 NBA teams with an average age greater than that of the OLDEST NFL team (different years, but that makes little difference). So the physical contact must make a difference.