San Jose’s Unique Football Player

SAN JOSE — Almost everyone who paid $10 to sit in metal bleachers under the hot sun on Saturday likely had a personal connection to the players kicking off their season at San Jose City College.

But only two in the crowd could actually call one of them dad.

Among those watching were a couple dozen members from Garden City Church, and they were probably the only ones who referred to Justin Buzzard as pastor.

What sets Buzzard apart from his teammates, who were dressed in navy blue uniforms with gold numbers and faced off against the College of the Redwoods — a match that ended in a 41-21 defeat — is that he wears No. 48, the age he will turn this year. It’s quite possible he is the only collegiate athlete in the nation listed as a freshman who’s also a father of a college sophomore. He’s actually closer in age to head coach Jim Winkler, who is 60, than to any of his teammates.

Nonetheless, there he was on the sidelines of a college football game, pads on, helmet in hand, playbook strapped to his wrist, just fitting in. Sure, it was a 3C2A-level game, and he only got to play two snaps in a tough loss, but Buzzard can genuinely say he’s doing something that likely no one else in the country can claim.

He is a 47-year-old pastor playing college football.

“When he’s on the field, there’s no difference,” said Winkler. “He’s just one of our 105 players. Outside the lines? Well, we obviously don’t have to wonder who’s saying the team prayer.”

To give you a glimpse into Buzzard’s weekend: he watched his two youngest sons kick off their football seasons Friday night at Lincoln High School. On Saturday morning, he suited up for SJCC’s season opener while his kids were still asleep, leaving his home around a mile away for an 8:30 call time. Then on Sunday morning, he plans to deliver a sermon to his parishioners.

“It’s a bit surprising how much interest there is,” shared his wife, Taylor, married to him for 23 years. “It’s really just part of who Justin is. He’s always stepping outside the box, trying new things, pushing limits, and he doesn’t worry much about boundaries.

“Who would’ve thought there’d be no age limit in junior college football? And he genuinely loves it.”

What started as a personal quest has turned into something of a national sensation, with Buzzard giving interviews to various news outlets about his inspiring journey. SJCC President Marilyn Flores mentioned a noticeable uptick in school interest, and Buzzard’s story has become quite the topic among students on campus.

Buzzard’s first attempt at a football career ended at Division III Whitworth University when he was his age group at the time but was cut short due to a finger injury. However, he never abandoned that dream, staying fit by running, weightlifting, and more recently, practicing Krav Maga. Both teammates and coaches agree he has held his own in practices and in the weight room.

“I’m in his lifting group—just me and him,” said 6-foot-5 punter Preston Conrad. “He motivates me. His squat depth? It’s impressive. When we lift 225 pounds, he has better depth than I do.”

However, when the game clock is on, Buzzard mostly stays on the sidelines. As per Winkler, he sits third on the depth chart for defensive end and is part of the second special teams unit.

When his chance came during the game, the Jaguars were trailing 41-7 with 5:21 left on the clock. A call from a younger player echoed from the sidelines: “Get the cameras out!”

Buzzard took his position in a three-point stance, engaged with the left tackle, pushed back the blocker, and opened a lane for a linebacker to charge in and sack the quarterback. He even managed to get his hands on the quarterback as he fell to the ground. As he headed back to the bench, his teammates cheered his name, celebrating one of the precious highlights of the game.

It had been a long time coming.

Before each season, Winkler selects a player to say the team prayer and bless their pregame meal. This time, it was a no-brainer given Buzzard’s presence.

“Usually, we nominate a player to be the team preacher or pastor for the season,” Winkler shared. “So, yes, we have a built-in one this year.”