History was made during South Carolina State's game against Savannah State on Saturday.

Joe Thomas Sr., 55, is believed to be the oldest player to ever see the field in a Division I college football game. Thomas ran for three yards during the first quarter of the game, which was also Senior Day. He had been practicing with the team, but hadn't seen any playing time.

Here was the run he recorded ...


Thomas' story was profiled by David Gardner of Sports Illustrated earlier this week, and it's a fascinating one. Thomas wasn't able to hear until he was 17 years old because of years of buildup and endured numerous hardships throughout his life. Football became an outlet for Thomas.

He's also the father of Packers linebacker Joe Thomas Jr., who went to SCSU. The older Thomas decided to attend South Carolina State four years ago to pursue a degree so he could find steady work. He joined his son on the football team, but the two never got to share a father-son moment:

Joe Sr. was in a car accident caused by a drunk driver and tore his ACL and MCL in 2013, the same year in which he had to file for bankruptcy. Joe Jr. graduated in 2014 and went undrafted but landed on the Packers' practice squad and then their 53-man roster. The father and son never practiced together. In 2014, Joe Sr. needed surgery on a strained sciatic nerve in his right leg. In 2015, he practiced regularly but only on special teams. Since he's on the scout team, he rarely practices in contact, and he hasn't seen a snap at tailback this year. "How am I supposed to prove myself," he asks, "if I don't get a real chance?"

Senior Day is always a big moment for players who never see the field to get their final opportunity. Thomas got his, just a few decades later than most.