55-year-old becomes oldest D1 college football player

ORANGEBURG, SC (WACH) - At 55 years old, South Carolina State's Joe Thomas Sr. became the oldest Division 1 collegiate football player after rushing for three yards on his very first play in the second quarter.

"Happiest day of my life," said Thomas Sr., who's son Joe Thomas Jr. plays for the Green Bay Packers. "Something I've always wanted to do was play college football, and I got to do that today."

Thomas' story created a national buzz this past weekend when it was discovered that the 55-year-old had been cleared the previous week by the NCAA. Head coach Buddy Pough explained that the team would've like to have gotten Thomas in last week, but with the score being as close as it was - as SCSU went on to lose 13-10 against Norfolk State University - coach Pough and his staff were determined to get Thomas in on Saturday.

"The fact that his son (Joe Thomas Jr.) was such a good player here is what makes it a little bit of a unique situation even more in that particular setting," explained coach Pough with a smile. "We had to get it done today and we knew we would."

With 8:32 remaining in the fourth quarter coach Pough spoke with Thomas telling him to be ready to go in again. Thomas buckled his chin strap up and went out there on the final drive rushing three more times for (-5) yards to finish the day with four carries for (-1) yard. But the stat sheet was the least of anyone's worries, as Thomas was hoisted atop his teammate's shoulders putting the biggest of smiles upon the face of the the 55-year-old.

"Never give up on your dream," Thomas said following the 32-0 win for the Bulldogs. "I've been waiting 36 years...thank God it happened today."

WACH FOX's Mike Uva was there to witness this historic day and has more from a historic day in Orangeburg.