A Listener Says…
David Bratton, a listener from Los Angeles, answers The Gentlemen’s Question —
How Old Is Too Old To Wear an NFL Jersey?
“IF THE JERSEY HAS A PLAYER’S NAME AND NUMBER ON THE BACK: Cutoff age is 25. Once you start becoming older than the players, its time to scale back on the pajamas.
IF THE JERSEY IS A BLANK JERSEY (NO NAME OR NUMBER): Cutoff age is 40.
IF IT’S A CUSTOMIZED TEAM JERSEY WITH YOUR NAME ON THE BACK? The cutoff age in this scenario is 8 years old.
Exception to the above rules:
THROWBACK JERSEYS? Anyone over the ages of 25, 40, even 50 is allowed to continue wearing it.
Note on the throwback exemption: It’s preferred that the player was of your generation or earlier. I.e., I have a vintage Mike Liut Hartford Whalers hockey jersey from 1985. I was in grade school in ‘85, and he was the starting goalie at the time. I can wear that jersey until I’m 80.
Note on the throwback exemption #2: Negro League Throwbacks. These items are only available for wear by African-American Gentlemen. Case closed.”
