Run Like Mad

In a column in yesterday's St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Bernie Miklasz praises Rams' running back Marshall Faulk for his post-30 productivity. He writes,

How many busy NFL running backs maintain their speed and durability and continue to perform at a high level at age 30? The answer: not many. Usually the decline is irreversible. But Faulk, as usual, is different.

Indeed, the average age of retirement in the NFL is 30 (see BOA p. 164), and the wear and tear on running backs is particular severe. We even seconded a Sportsline recommendation earlier this season that fantasy football owners should trade their thirtysomething backs. But a quick check of the rosters of the remaining NFL playoff teams reveals that half of the final 8 will hand off to a post-30 back this weekend. Presenting the ThirtyMeter "They May Not Be Able To Walk By 40, But At Least They're Rich" All-Stars:

Eddie George (30, Titans)
Priest Holmes (30, Chiefs)
Antowain Smith (31, Patriots)
Marshall Faulk (30, Rams)

Rams must have no fear of using rejuvenated Faulk [St. Louis Post-Dispatch]
In the Trenches: The Curse of 30 [CBS Sportsline]