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Factoid

New York Jets

Forte latest runner to take on 30-year barrier

The Jets have signed Matt Forte. He’s 30. Did they just sign damaged goods? Is it time to roll him back into a time-share? Or does Forte still have something left?

I am of the opinion that many are too quick to write off running backs. Certainly, time marches on. It’s better to be younger. There are no 36-year-old running backs in the league.

But I don’t see any difference between the falloff between 28 and 29, relative to the difference between 29 and 30. And I don’t think we need forget about Forte because he’s 30.

With this kind of thing, I think it’s best to utilize a case-by-case approach. If a guy is all beat to hell, then best to avoid him. But if a guy seems to be taking care of himself and running smart, 30 need not be a death sentence. Keep in mind that these running backs have workout and dietary options today that can help prolong career.

And we see it happen every year. There have been 16 seasons in this century, and 20 backs in their 30s have gone over 1,000 rushing yards in that time period. Six backs in that spell really knocked the lid of it, going for 1,400-plus yards.

THIRTY-SOMETHINGS GOING OVER 1,000 YARDS
YearPlayerAge AttYards Avg TD
2005Tiki Barber, NYG303571,8605.211
2004Curtis Martin, NYJ313711,6974.614
2006Tiki Barber, NYG313271,6625.15
2015Adrian Peterson, Minn.303271,4854.511
2005Warrick Dunn, Atl.302801,4165.14
2009Thomas Jones, Chi.313311,4024.214
2008Thomas Jones, NYJ302901,3124.515
2003Curtis Martin, NYJ303231,3084.02
2000Ricky Watters, Sea.312781,2424.59
2001Garrison Hearst, S.F.302521,2064.85
2000Emmitt Smith, Dall.312941,2034.19
2007Fred Taylor, Jac.312231,2025.45
2006Fred Taylor, Jac.302311,1465.06
2006Warrick Dunn, Atl.312861,1404.05
2013Frank Gore, S.F.302761,1284.19
2009Ricky Williams, Mia.322411,1214.713
2014Frank Gore, S.F.312551,1064.35
2001Emmitt Smith, Dall.322611,0213.93
2002James Stewart, Jac.302311,0214.46
2005Mike Anderson, Den.312391,0144.213

—Ian Allan

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