NFL teams adopt specialized care to extend linemen careers

NFL teams are increasingly adopting specialized programs to extend the careers of offensive and defensive linemen, who typically face the shortest career lifespans in professional sports. According to the NFL Players Association, the average career lasts only three to four years due to high injury rates and intense competition.

New England Patriots right tackle Morgan Moses successfully utilized a program involving reduced practice time and increased off-field medical treatment to start all 21 games during the team’s recent Super Bowl run. This approach, implemented by coach Mike Vrabel and the team’s performance staff, aims to preserve players for game days rather than through heavy weekly practice.

Data shows a rising trend in veteran linemen; in 2025, 12 linemen aged 35 or older started at least one game, the highest number since 2002. Advances in sports medicine and technology are fueling discussions on whether managed care can significantly push back the age at which linemen must retire.