Joe Thomas Sr. is carried off the field by his South Carolina State teammates. Screenshot: Fox Sports

ORANGEBURG, S.C., Nov. 22 (UPI) -- A 55-year-old South Carolina State University student rushed the football for three yards to become the oldest-ever Division 1 collegiate football player.

Joe Thomas Sr., 55, father of Green Bay Packers player Joe Thomas Jr., was cleared to play by the NCAA last week, but didn't make it onto the field until Saturday, when he rushed the ball for three yards against Savannah State in the first play of the second quarter.


Thomas is now believed to be the oldest player to participate in a Division I football game, officials said.

"Happiest day of my life," said Thomas told WACH-TV. "Something I've always wanted to do was play college football, and I got to do that today."

Thomas took to the field again in the fourth quarter to rush three more times, helping the team come out victorious, 32-0.

"Never give up on your dream," Thomas said. "I've been waiting 36 years...thank God it happened today."