A retired businessman began college for the first time after battling a serious cancer diagnosis, joining the McDaniel College D-III football team as a freshman. This experience remarkably reignited his enthusiasm for life.
Tom Green, 60, from Maryland, caught the school staff off guard by taking the entrance exam and securing a spot on the football team during his first year.
Almost a decade after overcoming cancer, he is now on track to be among the oldest college athletes in U.S. history.
Reflecting on his journey, Green recalled receiving a stage 4 kidney cancer diagnosis in 2015, admitting it felt like his life was nearing its end.
His physical condition deteriorated significantly, as he lost 60 pounds and experienced severe symptoms due to tumors in various parts of his body, including his skull and pancreas. “It felt like I was walking around like an accordion,” he said, chuckling.
In an unexpected turn of events, Green was declared cancer-free in 2018, which he views as a sign of divine intervention.
Although he grew up close to the university, Green didn’t pursue higher education earlier. Instead, he briefly played semi-pro football before starting a pallet business in Pennsylvania.
After his recovery, he decided to join the football team upon reapplying to the university.
Initially, some teammates thought his enrollment was a prank, but they’ve since come to appreciate him as a source of inspiration.
Teammate Jordan Weeden shared how Green’s presence taught him valuable life lessons that extend beyond the field.
Green has been grateful for the team’s warm welcome, although he mentioned it took some rough practices to truly bond with his new team.
As he approaches his 61st birthday in June, Green is aware that his time in football is finite, yet he aims to create lasting memories with his teammates.
“Life is very short,” he noted, quoting the Bible about life’s fleeting nature. He believes football fosters a sense of camaraderie that deeply enriches life.
He is set to make his debut on the defensive line this fall, and if he plays until his birthday next year, he will become the oldest person to compete in college football.
