60-Year-Old Cancer Survivor Chases College Football Dream

At 60 years old, Tom Green is suiting up for spring practice at McDaniel College, proving it's never too late to chase your dreams.

The Carroll County, Maryland resident is a freshman defensive lineman for the Division III Green Terror. He's juggling political science classes with tackling drills alongside teammates less than half his age.

Green never attended college when he was younger, instead building a successful wooden pallet company in Littlestown, Pennsylvania. He played semi-pro football and even tried out for Division I Maryland when he was 35, but college ball remained an unfulfilled dream.

Then in 2015, life threw him a curveball. Green was diagnosed with Stage IV kidney cancer at age 50.

"I was totally sick heading out. I was checking out in 2017," Green told WBAL-TV 11 News. But he fought back and won.

Now cancer-free, Green enrolled as a full-time student at McDaniel College. The walk-on program only required that he be a student who could play, with no age restrictions.

Head coach Skyler Fultz has been impressed with what he's seen. "Someone of that age who wants to get up on a cold morning like today and come out to practice, it shows a lot," Fultz explained.

Green isn't just showing up for participation points. He's holding his own at spring practice, working through plays and getting back into football shape after decades away from organized ball.

The current record for oldest college football player is 61, held by someone who only kicked extra points. Green will turn 61 in June, putting him in position to tie and potentially break that record as an actual position player.

Why This Inspires

Green's story represents something bigger than sports statistics. After facing down a cancer diagnosis that nearly claimed his life, he chose to pursue joy rather than play it safe.

His teammate Quadeer Smith perfectly captured the impact. "It's a great experience. I get to learn a lot from him since he's an older person. I feel like he brings a bunch of energy to the team, and that's what I love," Smith said.

Green proves that second chances can come at any age, whether it's beating cancer, starting college, or stepping onto a football field. His presence reminds everyone around him that dreams don't have expiration dates.

When spring practice wraps up and fall season begins, a 60-year-old freshman will take the field for the Green Terror, showing younger generations what determination truly looks like.